Brandon Borzelli's Comic Reviews

"1872" is some of the Marvel characters in a small town in the old west. The comic plays around with old ideas, like the crooked mayor and the one-good-sheriff-trying-to-fight-him, but the book is presented in a crisp fashion that will keep the reader engaged. The cliffhanger promises more excitement in the next issue, which is also a big plus. If you like westerns then this is a great book to pick up.

"1872" continues to tell a fast-paced story where the battle for an old west town is coming to its bloody conclusion. The comic has a lot of action and a couple of good plots going at the same time as the mini-series heads into its final issue. This issue has a couple of strange insertions and leaves some odd holes in the narrative flow and the action. Overall, this series a good read and might become a must-read as one of the lead characters, Red Wolf, will be sticking around in the new Marvel Universe. I recommend giving this a look.

"A-Force" may or may not be on your radar. With so many tie-in comics for the Secret Wars event it is difficult to know which to pick up and which to pass on. This is definitely one to pick up. The comic is focused on the female characters, but provides nice characterizations and interactions that it feels more like a team book about super-heroes than a gimmick about female characters. With surprises left and right and great visuals you will be entertained from the beginning until the end. I recommend picking this up.

While the comic doesn't reveal the complete threat, it does tease it well enough to get me back for more. Abe is a compelling character and while he is obviously tied to Hellboy, he can and clearly does do just fine on his own. I definitely recommend checking this comic out. I like where this comic is heading.

Abe Sabien is a good character because he isn't as invincible as Hellboy appears to be. Abe is a more sensitive character and seems to relate to humans better than most in BPRD. All of this comes out in this book to help establish just how serious the trouble is that Abe finds himself in by the end of the book. This was just an all-around excellent comic.

Overall this was a good book. I did miss that Dan Jurgens wasn't involved in some capacity and that the book lacks a satisfactory amount of Lois Lane content. I hated the six dollar price point, but ultimately, I got what I was looking for about of the issue and then some. If you do pick up the issue solely on the story where he leaves his US citizenship behind then I hope you read the rest of the issue because it is a good look at the character, and that particularly story may be the worst of the bunch. Basically you get a great book with only a couple of mediocre stories in the lot. I definitely recommend picking this issue up.

In some ways the worst part about this comic book is that it just doesn't feel like All-Star Superman and that comparison just isn't fair. However, the regular, day-to-day Superman stories have been done to death. I'm not sure this brings anything new to the table and even if it did it seems like it just won't be able to sustain it over the long haul. I'm sure Morrison will deliver a big payoff for those that will be patient with the book, but unfortunately I just didn't find enough in here to justify spending more money on yet another Superman versus Lex Luthor story. I am sure Morrison fans will be thrilled with the issue but will people on the fence about the character?

Zod is a good comic book. It's an origin and it's nothing fancy. If you think you know everything there is to know about Zod then this issue could add more to your knowledge but it might also trample what you think is continuity. The book is a chilling story by the end and taking that by itself makes it a worthwhile book to pick up. Plus, it has a cool 3-D cover.

The comic is a dull read that is more because the character is lifeless than because the book lacks action. A de-powered Superman living in a world where his identity has been exposed sounds interesting but it actually isn't.

The good news with this comic is that many stores offer you one of the colored rings with this issue's purchase. More good news is if you are a hardcore DC fan and know all of the ins and outs of the DCU then you might love the satire and the heavy handed jokes as Superboy gets kicked around by Earth Prime (or is it Earth-2?) characters. However, I found this issue to be confusing at best and a wasteful mess at worst in the story department. I'm simply baffled that this issue hopes to gain some new readers with this type of material.

Overall, this is a good comic book. Honestly, at this point this is the only book that Superman is currently appearing in that I might consider purchasing in the future. At least the character appears to be more in line with what a traditional Superman book might be like and I think there is an audience for that out there. If the creative talent and their output stays at this level then I think this book can be a success. It is certainly off to a good start.

Afterlife with Archie sounds like it shouldn't work. Zombies in Riverdale? Beloved characters dead? However, the writing, the characterizations and the art form a very entertaining story that reads well and seems to fit in line with a regular Archie story. Granted, it's darker but it doesn't overwhelm with horror elements. This is a pleasant surprise.

This book is very close to being something I would normally read. This issue is very much a world building issue but it also puts on a ton of layers to an already complicated situation. It's hard to tell from this issue if the book is going to be an all-out war series or something that is much more cloak and dagger. I'm willing to give this book a couple of issues, but I found the first one to be a very mixed bag. I'm not even sure if fans of the initial Age of Apocalypse would like this because so much has changed. If you like mutants and universes where anything can happen then I suggest trying this out.

It's way too early to tell what this book really is going to become. For now, it feels like a dystopian future book that you've probably read a different flavor of a dozen times. Somehow this book jams itself into existing, NOW!, continuity but that really isn't explored at all here. It seems like this book caters to the diehard Ultron or Avengers fans. Perhaps I am put off because I already read the Maberry story, but this book really left me cold. The comic has an awesome cover though.

Age of Ultron is billed as an epic. It reads like an epic with big scenes and powerful dialogue to punctuate the end of scenes. However, the story feels overrun with hollow characters and ill-timed mysteries where opportunities present itself to inform the reader of something useful. When you write for the collection the single issue suffers and this is a prime example of that.

This event is a mess so far. It can and will pick up. Once collected it will probably be a really tight and interesting story. Told in single issue format it appears to be slow and fragments of a comic book. Thankfully there is a little plot movement in this issue. I still can't recommend this comic yet but I am hopeful that will turn soon.

Age of Ultron is shaping up to be one of the worst stories I've read in years. I simply can't believe how slow the story is moving and, yet, it still manages to not make sense. Characters are talked about as being dead when they are clearly showing up on panels in previous comics. The examples are too numerous as to why you should not read this comic book. I truly believe this book will redeem itself and read better in collected versions, but as a single issue story it's dreadful. Hitch can't save this by drawing destroyed cities every fifth page.

Age of Ultron is a very tough sell. I'm not sure whom this is geared towards. I can't see a casual reading getting jazzed up for this kind of a book and the seasoned reader is going to poke a lot of holes in it. I suppose this book is for the die-hard Bendis fan. We'll see how this all shapes up but this is a completely average comic book.

Age of Ultron is starting to get to the heart of the event it seems. After five drawn out issues things pick up in what is by far the most entertaining issue of the entire event. Hopefully the final four issues will keep the tempo up. This was a good read.

Age of Ultron is shaping up to be among the worst series I've ever read. Ten issues is a tough sell for this directionless, limited plot of a book. This issue highlights how Bendis put such a low effort to analyzing the impacts of time travel. The book might give you a few minutes of amusement but this is not one to seek out.

This event is going to read very differently when collected or when read in one sitting. As individual issues goes it's about as bad as they come across the whole series. This individual is good because it provides an argument that is sound from both points-of-view where both see the opposite side as "what if". The comic had the potential to be excellent but was halted by the battle at the end. This was an average to good read.

I'm not sure who this is aimed at. I can't see this having any sort of memorable piece coming out of the final issue. The nine issues have been plotted out poorly and the mistakes with time travel are glaring. Does anyone remember Nick Fury? How many issues has it been since that thread has been explored? Proceed with caution.

The final issue did not need to be bagged. There is nothing in here surprising or even noteworthy. The book is a simple enough comic book with an interesting explanation and some nice action. The comic book isn't worth the hype and will probably have limited appeal. You might find something in here to like if you are willing to forget plot points and you don't like everything to make sense in the end.

Age of Ultron was a mess. However, if the fallout results in a re-invention of Hank Pym and a revitalization of the character then it almost makes it all worth it. This is a step in the right direction towards making Pym a dynamic and important character in Marvel Universe. This is worth picking up, especially if you are looking for good baseline for Pym and an entertaining transformation story.

Carey is taking a gamble by giving no background to this story in terms of how it got this way versus the normal Marvel Universe. He promises a payoff at the end, but what he's giving the reader here is enough of a start to make an interesting comic book and a fun read. Thirty plus pages of story for four bucks is a decent deal for the content here. I definitely recommend this comic book.

Ultimately comic books are all about expectations. I was hoping this mini series would either provide some context to the mutant situation or give some recognizable mutants for the characters in these stories. This book doesn't do either and becomes a throwaway for the crossover. Priced at $4 I am thinking this is a book that can be skipped unless you absolutely must have the entire crossover. Don't be fooled, though, the creator's work within the covers is good and enjoyable. It's the book's direction and price point that makes it something you can miss.

Hawkeye isn't your normal super-hero book. The first issue is about the main character interacting with other characters that help shape who he is and the decisions he makes. The primary plot is unraveling a mysterious weapon and that ball gets rolling at the end of this issue. It's a good setup and a surprising cliffhanger. The book looks to be one to add to your pull list. I recommend checking this out.

There are a lot of X-Men books out there and it's tough to tell which ones are worth picking up. This one has the time travel aspect to it, which may not sound appealing, but the delivery is what makes the book special for this particular issue. We will have to see if the premise has enough story to keep the book interesting, but the initial issue is worth picking up.

This comic book is driving towards a very compelling story. It will be interesting to see how this storyline gets resolved when it's all said and done. This means the comic book is working because as a reader I am planning to stick with the book long term. I recommend checking this out.

The All New X-Men looks to turn in a better issue based on the cliffhanger here. I liked the character interaction and the long term potential for the power reduction of the mutants. I couldn't find the characters voices to be in-line with how I think of them, which was a major turn off. Overall the book was good but not nearly as good as the previous two issues.

"All-Star Section 8" is a strange collection of characters for a comic book. The creators are perfect for the comic book as they keep the book light, even when dealing with Batman. The artwork is fantastic as it is detailed and extremely vibrant. The book stumbles towards the end as the Batman subplot gets some action but doesn't see a resolution. Overall, this is a good read that will cater to a select audience. I would have liked to see a more powerful ending to set things up for the next issue. This is an average to good read. I look forward to the rest of the mini-series to see where this is heading.

I drop into Spider-Man books once in a while. This is one of the worst ones I've read under Slott and I really don't care about the outcome as much as the trip to get there. This trick ending needed to be sold and it simply wasn't. Glossing over an ending where there is so much attention is simply a bad idea. Skip this one, especially at the hefty price point.

Amazing Spider-Man is a great comic book to pick up. The comic has a couple of longer term stories running while still cooking up a smaller plot that will probably end up being contained to the arc. The book has plenty of action and a lot of character work. I definitely recommend checking this comic out.

"Renew Your Vows" may feel like a comic book that is twisting the knife for those readers that opposed the undoing of the marriage. While the comic reads a lot like a "What If?" story, the book explores an interesting theme. If you are looking for deep insight into the marriage then this will be a letdown. This is a super-hero comic book with plenty of action where the lead character happens to have a wife and kid. The story components that get the comic from A to B are rushed, which leaves too many unanswered questions. However, overall the comic book is worth checking out. I recommend it.

There are a lot of X-Men books on the market to pick from. This particular one seems to overlap a lot with Wolverine and the X-Men. As far as I can tell the key difference is this one contains Nightcrawler and Firestar and it has McGuiness on art. If you are enjoying Aaron's work on Wolverine and the X-Men then I am sure you will like this book as well. I would think if you like Nightcrawler or McGuinness then you will want to pick this book up. It's not clear what the plot is going to be to get Nightcrawler back from the dead as this issue simply introduces the characters, but I like the start for the story. This is worth checking out.

Amazing X-Men is still building up the overall story. While it's no secret to the reader that this story is bringing Nightcrawler back from the dead, the execution is proving that there is a story to be told in the process. This issue is a fun read and should be checked out. The excitement appears to be just getting started.

Amazing X-Men is a fun comic so far. It remains to be seen as to how this title will fit in and differ from the other X-Men books but for now this is the comic that brings back Nightcrawler. So far, the arc is a good one and is bringing something different to the table. This is worth checking out.

Amazing X-Men is a comic that is bringing together a lot of A-list named X-Men to rescue Nightcrawler from the afterlife. It turns out, in this issue, that he is rescuing them. It's a fun ride and is definitely a book to check out. You will find some sweet moments, some fun moments, plenty of action and a lot of big time visuals. Give the book a shot if you are looking to kick back and just be entertained for a change.

I enjoyed this issue as much as any other in this series. Sure you could make the argument that the book is about Sweet and all of the rest of the characters are dispensable but you would never know that to read this comic book. I found myself caring about the new characters and that is a credit to the writing. If you aren't checking this book out because vampire books aren't your thing you are missing out. This is a strong comic book from a talented team. I definitely recommend picking this up.

The beauty of this comic book is that there are no good guys. There are some innocents and some characters you might cheer on but for the most part the characters all have some level of sleaze to them. The other idea I like a lot in this book is the vampire hierarchy. Snyder has created a class system for the vampires that also takes into account nationality which is quite clever. With another city and another decade having been explored in this series I'm anxious to see where things go from here. This issue has all the action and deception to keep you well entertained. This is worth picking up.

I enjoyed the duel storytelling style of this issue. I think the two characters really show exactly what makes them tick in this issue which helps to connect with them. Besides the character work the issue itself is an enjoyable read. This series is turning into something special as yet another arc starts out very strong. This is a series to begin reading if you are not onboard already.

This issue of American Vampire has a lot to offer to a wide range of fan's interests. Sure, there are the elements of vampires and horror, but there is also a couple's struggle and a shattered friendship resulting in revenge. The comic book even has some parts that I found chuckling at despite the horrifying images. The book is simply strong in a lot of directions. Now that the book has been dropped to the $3 price point there really isn't much reason not to pick this book up and give it a try. Even if vampires aren't your thing I think this book is worth giving it a shot. I definitely recommend this book.

American Vampire is one of the very best series month in and month out. The comic book has a wealth of characters and it presents storylines that cross generations. I'm not sure how this will all play out if one of the main characters dies but we may find that out after this issue. This issue is very good but if you were hoping for a big vampire fight you'll find yourself a little disappointed. Don't be mislead, this is a must read issue and series.

American Vampire never has a down issue. Sure, some issues throw me for a loop that I was not expecting and not always in a good way, but this issue is right on the money. Though it contains little action it sets up a tremendous hook for the final issue in the arc. I can't recommend a book or series more than this one.

American Vampire is not a book just about vampires. It's about characters that usually play government (or military) roles in a world that happens to hold various covens of these creatures. The encounters are deadly and this book captures snapshots of them here and there. If you like a little bit of horror mixed with some noir and intrigue then this is the book for you.

Perhaps the best part about this series is that the characters drive the story. At the heart of the story we have vampires and those that kill them. It seems so straightforward. However, Snyder plugs in complex characters and unique situations to help tell the stories. This issue is no different than the other twenty-two in the series. It's got a fast-paced story filled with drama, mystery and action and is backed up with excellent artwork. This arc is only going to get better. I can't recommend this issue and series enough.

American Vampire is probably the best comic book I read each month. It's in that Walking Dead, Chew and Elephantmen class of books that pushes the envelope and takes the reader to places most books don't even try. This issue is building to a huge conclusion and I suspect, yet another, big reveal. I simply can't wait for the next issue to drop. I highly recommend checking this book out.

I felt this arc was too long while reading the first few issues and I stand by that feeling. However, the ending definitely delivers an excellent ending to the arc and bucks most of my assumptions about the characters and the storyline. This series is one of the very best I read month after month and this issue stands among the best of the entire run. I definitely recommend reading this issue.

American Vampire is one of the very best books out there today. You really don't have to be a fan of vampires to enjoy this story either. The book's strength is in the characters and how they react or interact with those that are vampires. It's a creative world that is written to exist in the regular world. It's a good book and as it dances towards the current times I can't help but wonder what Snyder has in store for these characters down the road. This is a very good start to this arc. I definitely recommend picking it up.

American Vampire is Skinner Sweet's story, but Pearl has definitely been a character of prominence throughout this book. She is a great character and this ending is a good one, but I do hope there is more to her story than what we see here. This is definitely one of the best books to read month in and month out and it will be sorely missed after it goes on hiatus after next issue.

A great read. This series has been absent for far too long. This is going to be a great read for the hardcore fans and perhaps some new readers will jump on. This is well worth the big cover price. I recommend picking this up.

The first issue of American Vampire provides the reader, new or old, with the introduction of two of the main characters. While letting the reader get to know the pair we also get a bit of a taste of the threat surrounding the characters and the time period. The book is usual level of stellar storytelling and amazingly detailed artwork. Welcome back American Vampire. You've been missed.

"American Vampire: Second Cycle" reaches the penultimate issue with a tension filled, dramatic, action-packed story. The comic has alternating sequences that deal with the two plots. The book puts the characters in a tough spot but then pulls them out, only to have them drop into a meat grinder by the end. This is a very good comic book. The gaps in the series make going back and re-reading the previous issues in "Second Cycle" kind of required but that's not that tall of an order. I recommend checking this out as the ending appears to be a classic in the making.

American Vampire is an exceptional universe. Each comic adds more and more layers to the larger tapestry. Snyder has set up a title where going back and re-reading previous issues will reveal more information than it seemed upon the first read. When you consider I have never liked any comic book or novel variation of vampires and this title has me hooked I would say that means that this title has a chance at appealing to everyone. I urge anyone who likes deep and well thought out stories to check out this series.

Angela has already appeared in several comics this year. This issue serves as a re-introduction. This is helpful because the character has a complicated place in the Marvel Universe. This first issue is different from a Thor comic book and proves to be a good companion in the Thor universe. I enjoyed the issue but felt it could have been reined in a little bit. The issue definitely has a great cliffhanger. I recommend checking this out.

I think fans of Lemire will enjoy the book. I'm not sure if Animal Man fans will enjoy it though as it seems the hardcore ones had high hopes for the book and I'm not sure this is what they were looking for. For the horror element I will be back for another issue. If you were looking for a super hero drama I think you only got half of it. Proceed with caution on this one.

Annihilator looks to be a strange journey. However, as an unknown publisher you have to wonder if issues two, three, four and beyond will ever see the light of day. As a single issue, there is certainly enough here to sit back and enjoy the read. I recommend picking this up.

Ant-Man is a fantastic comic book. I'm not sure it renders a five-dollar price tag but Marvel wants to test out the appetite for the market at five bucks and they are picking the irresistible ones to try it on their customers. This book is charming, fun and a little heartbreaking. You get the history of the character, a solid self-enclosed story and direction for the future issue, all in one comic. What more can you want? I highly recommend checking this book out.

Archie versus Sharknado is a very good one-shot comic book. Archie fans will probably enjoy the read as the book weaves the various characters into the plot. Sharknado fans probably are getting what they would expect, but may have been hoping for more of the movie characters instead of just the Archie ones. The comic has nice artwork and tells a gory, but all-ages-like visual story. At forty pages for five dollars you will definitely get your entertainment value. I recommend checking this out.

Archie versus Predator is a mild comic to start the mini-series. It explores Archie and his friends and their personality dynamics. While the Predator shows up a little bit, there isn't much to go on. While a couple of characters do meet their doom, it occurs off-panel and without the core cast finding their bodies. This comic book is something to check out, but set your expectations low if you think there is a big showdown or confrontation within this issue. I recommend giving this comic a look.

"Astonishing Ant-Man" is a fun read. The comic is a character-centered story where Scott Lang and his personal life are the primary focus. The plot in this comic is hatched from the angle where old grudges come back to haunt Lang. The book has some interesting ideas in here as well, such as the villain-finder app. Overall, if you like books that are character focused and you don't mind some sarcasm and snark then this is the book for you. I recommend checking this out.

This issue provides about twenty-five pages of story and a bunch of pin ups for $4. You get top-notch artwork and some great character work from Aaron. The story is a good science-fiction romp but does it fit in with the characters? I suppose it could, but it is very hard to see someone picking this up that aren't targeting the creators or characters. However, I'm willing to guess that if someone does sample this issue that they will thoroughly enjoy the story.

Atomic Robo probably isn't the comic book for everyone. It's silly, but in a smart and sarcastic way. It's got elements of science fiction and the supernatural, but in a tongue in cheek kind of way. However, I challenge someone to pick this issue up and not find it to be entertaining, amusing and a fun read. You won't find an easier comic book to read with no prior knowledge of the characters that will give you this much bang for your buck. I can't recommend a comic book more than this one.

With the fourth volume of Atomic Robo wrapping up, this issue might scare off new readers. I'm here to tell you to fear not. Jump in if you are new because this issue is very much a standalone issue. It might reference the previous couple of issues from this volume but they aren't essential stories for this story. Robo has a new villain and he's one that everyone is familiar with, even if they never thought of this person as a villain before. This is a fantastic issue.

Atomic Robo is a different kind of comic book. It doesn't take itself too seriously, but manages to keep its finger on the pulse of science fiction. It has just enough adventure to keep the story moving but is, at its heart, a character driven story. The result is a fun and intelligent story. I definitely recommend jumping on board with this issue.

With the return of Doctor Dinosaur coming to Atomic Robo for the Free Comic Book day edition this week, this is a perfect time to get into this series. While you are in your shop you should pick up any of these back issues. Even if you just get this one I would be surprised if you are disappointed. There aren't too many comic books out there that have the wit, charm, action and character depth as this one. And how many comic books cast Thomas Edison as the main villain? I definitely recommend this book for anyone looking for something fun to read.

Atomic Robo is a great character and his stories are the perfect mix of humor, action, science and sarcasm. This issue launches a ton of new characters and new threats for Robo to tangle with. This comic is a solidly written and a well drawn book. I'm sure this story is going to ramp up to usual Robo chaos in the comic issues. This is definitely worth a look. Atomic Robo represents everything that is great about comic books.

The opening issue of Axis gives the reader page after page of story. A lot of it seems to have such deep roots in other books it might lose its punch with the new reader. The comic has an enormous cast that almost seems too big for the comic to handle properly, but it makes a good effort. The book is on the cusp of something great, it just needs to focus on this story and not the last story more and it needs a major re-tooling of the art. The comic might be overpriced but if you are curious enough you probably won't be disappointed.

Axis is an event that is hatched out of Uncanny Avengers but is slowly breaking away from that book. The comic book contains action and a nice character focus but can future issues continue to juggle this huge cast while sticking with one and only one character? The book is slowed down severely by artwork, in flow, rendering and details. This is an okay read, even for the casual reader.

Axis is a strange event. This particular issue has a lot of action and some snappy dialogue. Perhaps too much. The book looks rushed in the art department but at least puts on a spectacle in the nonstop action scenes. The ending feels a little bit out of nowhere, but provides a couple of interesting unresolved plotlines. This is an okay comic book but far short of the hype surrounding it.

Axis is reaching its mid-point and there are plenty of problems with the book. However, the ideas presented in this issue are good and could help to save this event. Unfortunately this issue is just another average issue. There isn't anything in here that is too memorable and there isn't anything in here that will make you cringe at the execution. It's mostly set-up for what's to come. This is an okay read but not worthy of the billing for this event.

Axis could turn out to be something awesome before this is all over. I can't say I have enjoyed any particular issue but this one sticks out because it at least explains some plot ideas and sets up some interesting dynamics for the next comic. This isn't an event I can recommend but this issue tries to provide some entertainment and manages to do so. At least it isn't a five-dollar book.

Axis is an event with excellent ideas and creators. The story has had some ups and downs but always seemed to get where it needed to go, albeit painfully. This issue is a downer. The art doesn't help a story that is nothing more than a collection of character interactions. No mention of Red Skull's body. No mention of the missing heroes. Apocalypse barely appears. This would have been a great teaser issue for the event, given away as a freebie back in October. This is a poor comic book with little redeeming qualities.

The creators on this book deserved a better chance to show their talents. Having read much of Remender's work I can't believe he left this book that riddled with holes. This can't be the story he set out to do. In hindsight, the first act was fairly good and can be read alone with a decent level of entertainment. This issue is the low point. There must have been a more creative way to get a handful of characters to switch sides than this comic book event. Avoid it. It's not even worth the action.

Avengers is a hot property and this book is matching that status perfectly. While the book has some flaws and feels like it isn't attached to the greater Marvel Universe, this comic book is entertaining nonetheless. I enjoyed this issue and definitely recommend checking it out.

I have no idea how many issues we need to read before we get something of a plot or an understanding of the villains. Without it, there is simply nothing to separate this book from the many other books that have come before. If a newcomer is patient enough they may end up enjoying this story immensely. However, this book is not the best these creators are capable of and it's a shame because the concept was a sound one going into the movie and its hype.

I guess I will need to buy the next issue to figure out if this series is worth hanging with for twelve issues. This issue really should have been a giveaway. Six of the pages have already been in the back of every Marvel book since January as it is. Maybe Marvel should have serialized it instead of only giving the same few pages. You get two stories that could, potentially matter down the road. I understand that those that know they are picking this up regardless of the contents of any one single issue is going to find this all very exciting. It's a slow build up to something that probably has a cool payoff. However, my event patience is paper thin and I need something more substantial than two stories that could easily have appeared in Marvel Comics Presents or as a fill-in one shot that was left in the drawer for a rainy day. Let's see what the first issue has because the zero issue is fairly empty.

The hype is over and thankfully this issue has absolutely nothing to do with the dreadful #0 issue from last week. The book sets the stage perfectly and it appears the fighting is going to be full-on in the next issue. This issue is definitely worth checking out if you are at all interested in this mega-promoted event.

I think this event is off to a decent start. If this were an else-worlds story it would be awesome. However, this is in-continuity and therefore you need to play the characterizations straight and that was not done here. The fight has not been "sold" to me. I plan to stick with this for now though as I did actually enjoy reading the "fun" aspect of this comic.

This issue is slightly less interesting than the first issue, which was very average as well. Perhaps if you like the characters you might like this. I'm not even sure this issue stands on its own without reading the main series. McNiven's art is very high quality which is a plus and McNiven knows how to showcase Gambit very well, and Gillen provides some decent Spidey dialogue, but the rest of the issue isn't too inspiring on any level. This issue is not essential reading.

I liked this issue. I think if I had a particular affection for any of the characters I would have enjoyed it that much more. It seems like these comics will be entertaining and will "matter" if you like the characters in them. If you are curious about how the fighting plays out or you feel the main book is just too light on the fighting then I recommend picking this up.

I can't wrap my head around how I feel about this event. I liked heroes punching other heroes, but I want there to be some sort of sensible story and I feel like there isn't. I guess I want to have my cake and eat it to. Is that too much to ask? If you like Wolverine fighting Captain America then this is the comic book for you.

This event is shaping up to be okay, but nothing special. This particular issue seems to send the event into a direction that might make the remaining eight issues more interesting. Not a lot happens in this issue with the plots from the previous ones, but the turn of events within this issue (there's a spoiler I am eluding to) seems out of character, not once, but twice. This was a solid, but average read.

I didn't like this issue. I do think it has its audience though. Since the issue is so light on dialogue it might be a good gateway for kids to get into comics too because it does look pretty cool. I haven't even scratched the surface on so many other flaws (like Tony Stark already being on the moon preparing for the Phoenix or all the random snapshots of characters in other locations), but the flaws I have highlighted should sent off some big warning signs about the rest of the series. Proceed with caution.

This event is a strange one. Hope is the centerpiece and at this point it doesn't seem to fit anymore. I wouldn't have guessed that the Phoenix Force would be on Earth for more than half of the mini-series, but that's the case. I certainly wonder where this is all going and that is one of the high points to the event: I haven't been able to predict what will happen next on any level.

This event is really a dud. The issues so far have all been average, but the sum of the parts are just not adding up to a consistent and satisfying story. Some of the strange things in this book really amplify that feeling, such as Namor and Emma Frost kissing. Why? I don't know and it isn't explained at all. So many comic book pages and so little explanation make for a frustrating read. This story at least has some good fighting moments and some nice bickering. This is a really average book.

This issue may be the one I have enjoyed the most in the main series. The whole premise of the event has many flaws, in terms of story and continuity, but when an issue hits that is mostly just fun I find entertainment value. This issue is one of the fun ones. I think picking this one up is a good idea.

This book is a strange one. Iron Man gets crushed in one panel and then a couple of pages later he is standing up looking fine inside their hideout. Hawkeye, who I believe has no powers, gets a full-on eye blast from Cyclops. Shouldn't he be dead? Still, there are things to like in this comic book if you are a fan of some of the X-Men characters. Iron Man also has some good dialogue. I am really struggling to find good things to say about this event as a whole and I actually wish I could turn off my brain while reading some of these issues. I might find them more enjoyable.

The mini-series moves into the big finale. There is now a clear bad guy. It's completely unclear what role, if any, that Hope will play in the ending. She was almost entirely absent in this issue. If you like action and don't really care much for a story that makes a whole lot of sense logically or plot-wise then you should check out this issue. This was a decent to above average book.

I've spent a great deal of this review crushing this comic book. However, the comic book, when you remove the hype, isn't that terrible. There is some action, infighting and then a team-up. However, it's a book that just doesn't live up to the billing. The book just doesn't tie things up and it's not just little things. This comic book feels like it put characters into positions because the staff felt they should rather because it made logic sense and this drove me nuts. It's tough to beat Kubert's pencils, but at a $5 cover price it's a lot to shell out for so little in return.

This issue is a good read. It's not great but it is first-step good. There is certainly enough here for any reader to want to pick up the next issue and that should be all that any comic aspires towards.

Cable gives a good chunk of where he has been and why he is back in this book and it all makes sense. Marvel has teased the importance of the character of Hope for years and years and this book may not answer the question but at least it adds a new twist to the story. Cable trying to take down the Avengers one at a time is a good idea that will only get better as he meets the likes of Hulk and Wolverine. This is a fun read.

I was hesitant about picking this issue up. I tend to not like the whole post-mortem series for an event and this one didn't really change my mind but I did like the direction that this series is taking. I definitely wanted to know how the rest of the mutant brain trust was going to be handled in the aftermath and this comic lays that framework. This was a decent start to this series.

Three issues to go and I think this mini-series has high hopes for establishing an interesting new baseline for Cyclops as a character. It will also help to clarify the post-event feelings for a number of characters, as we saw with Wolverine in this issue. I recommend picking this up, even if you disliked the main event. I can't wait to see how Iron Man plays into this for the next issue.

There are a lot of unknowns as to the end point for this mini-series. Even if this all ends exactly where it started (a common tactic for these post event mortems) the book is still an entertaining read. It's providing character exploration for one of the key characters and those he interfaces with. Plus, the book gives a good look at the "what happens next" aspect of the Avengers versus X-Men crossover. This is an enjoyable book.

Two decent fights that make the best of the odd matchups and venue. The book could have easily been raised to a higher level without the ridiculous translation stunt. The Loeb story is the better of the two but both rate among the best in the series so far. This is a good, old fashioned, comic book fight and its tremendous fun.

This issue gives me some hope that more issues will come out that will rise above being average. However, both fights in here are clever, well-written and with great art. This is what I was looking for in this event.

This comic is what it claims to be: a fighting comic book. There is no context, no story, no continuity and very little dialogue. Unfortunately, in order for this to be a success it has to bring some different to the table and with fighting as a staple of super hero comics these fights have the been-there-done-that feel to them. This is a very ordinary issue.

Marvel had a chance to really do something cool and different with this mini-series. Instead they gave a bunch of high end talent a lot of generic fights and they ended it with one of the worst jokes of the event by making light of the finale. I can't believe I spent four bucks on this comic book.

There's a letter in the back from the older Nicolle explaining the genesis of the character and the inspiration for the book. Based on the description it just sounds like this creation was a blast, made a couple of people that were just being themselves. Really, this is all that a comic book should be about in order to be enjoyable.

Hobgoblin is a niche character and solo comic book. This mini-series will be interesting to read to see just how it ties into Axis, if at all. The character background is built up in this issue and the plot for the future issues is introduced but not expanded upon. This is a decent read especially if you like the character.

Simone has done a good job at introducing the Batgirl character and bringing the die-hard fans up to speed with regards to the wheelchair question. Some fans may not be happy with the answer, but Babs is younger and was probably never the Oracle of the DCU the last twenty years or so. However, this was probably the best of the reboot that I have read so far and I am definitely looking forward to the next issue. Simone definitely knows this character well and is bringing the fun Batgirl (like from the 1960s TV show) to life in the comic book. I definitely recommend checking this one out.

Batgirl is exactly what I expect it to be: fun but with a hint of danger. Simone is putting across a fun version of the character who is smart but still learning the ropes. She's up against villains that are out of her league but probably wouldn't show up on Batman's radar. Overall, the issue is good and the arc is setting up to be a good introduction into the character. Generally, that seems like a recipe for a good series.

I want to love this title. Barbara Gordon as Batgirl. A flawed and fresh hero that mixes some fun and some brains. The book isn't quite there but it is showing flashes of it. Outside of the opening of the book I found the issue to be a miss but it still might be worth a look.

Batgirl has seemed like a book going through the motions. Simone opened with an arc that was trying to establish a villain and introduce the readers to a new version of the character. The book seemed to be lifeless. However, this is the issue that Simone shows the events that shaped Barbara Gordon up to this point and provides some earthshattering changes that will alter her from this point going forward. This is a good issue.

Batgirl is an entertaining book and it has been for the entire run. However, the book is close to greatness and small things are keeping it from getting there. Sadly, with Simone's run coming to a close it is unlikely we will see the book mature to the greatness level I believe Simone would have guided it towards eventually. This is a creepy comic book but is the kind of thriller that you probably won't be able to put down.

Batgirl is fitting in very nicely in the Death of the Family arc. You wouldn't know it to read this comic book, but this actually isn't even the main storyline in the crossover, but Simone sure makes it feel that way. I am enjoying this arc and can't wait to see what Simone has in store for the ending.

Batgirl has had some ups and downs. The fill in issues all but killed the character development of the lead character in hopes of building up her brother's but it just made for bad storytelling. With Simone back in the driver's seat she sticks the landing for this long running arc in a very good effort all around. This is worth picking up.

Batgirl has been an up and down ride so far. I liked this arc and I really enjoyed the ending. Hopefully this comic book is heading into great territory. It's nice to see Batgirl gets herself some confidence once in a while. This is worth picking up.

Batgirl: is she dark and depressing or fun and light hearted? She probably needs to be somewhere in the middle but this sudden shift will probably generate some buzz with those that didn't care for the old run and might shake off some readers from the previous run. It might be the best way to go. Either way you look at this is an entertaining read and a good direction to send the character. It's too bad the book can't bridge the gap a little gentler.

Batgirl is in uncharted territory. She is out from Batman and all the crazy villains she normally squares off with. In some ways this is a reboot of the character. This one is making her way through everyday life while turning into Batgirl when a real problem arises instead of trying to watch the streets every night. This is a fun comic book and a nice take on the character. This is one to pick up.

"Batgirl" turns in an average issue. The detective work and the deep plot make the comic a nice read. However, the shift at the end to get Babs a boyfriend feels forced. The comic also struggles with one of the scene transitions as it appears to leave too many unanswered questions when the one scene ends. Overall, the book is a decent read but nothing close to the level of more recent issues.

The "Batgirl" annual is a nice trip through four of the Bat-verse titles. Batgirl is continues through the book trying to solve the same case, but she runs into a new character in each phase of the comic. The book is a fun read and brings out the best in Batgirl's characterization and provides a nice introduction to the supporting characters that make appearances. I highly recommend checking out this comic book if you have any interest in Batgirl, Grayson, Batwoman, Spoiler or Gotham Academy. This is a great read.

Batgirl has been an interesting run. Simone did some great things, some not so great things and DC pulled the rug on her a couple of times to make the ride interesting. This comic presents the best of what she does: provides great character voices to female leads while squeezing every last bit of drama out of the story at hand. If you like a very different take on Batgirl and you like the fun times Batgirl then you are going to love this issue. Don't let the gimmick cover fool you, there is a good story in here.

Batgirl Endgame is for the Endgame completists. I do not recommend this comic book for those that follow the Batgirl title. You may be left wanting more. If you are not following Endgame at all then this issue is completely avoidable. It's confusing and adds nothing to the character unfortunately. This comic book is a decent read but is loosely relevant to Endgame or Batgirl.

DC could have made this issue really special with more story or even short stories. Even if guest writers were telling short stories that were out of continuity it would have made the issue feel more special. Instead, this issue felt like an excellent annual. I would imagine a lot of folks will pick this issue up for the sake of the number. I wonder how many will disappointed when they find the material quantity lacking compared to Spider-man or Captain America. I know I was.

Let's be honest, if you read Final Crisis then this is a must-have issue. You are going to love it. If you are the rare person that followed Morrison's run on Batman but not Final Crisis, like me, then you will be entertained but frustrated. DC is weaving such a complicated web where their titles are too interconnected over too long of a period of time. It's frustrating and it's making me question how I can continue to read the few characters I still follow in their universe.

For the most part this comic is a complete hit if you have ever watched the show. I will say that I was disappointed that Batman and Robin weren't ever in the typical cliffhanger as seen so many times on the show, such as them being lowered into lava or attached to a giant band saw board. However, the characters, dialogue, wit and plot are all in line with the TV show. If this book can deliver like this for each installment then this might become one of the biggest hits from out of nowhere DC has ever had. Who says old ideas can't be recycled and dusted off?

With five issues to go it is hard to imagine what will happen next, but the opening issue provides a comprehensive and entertaining read. Batman gets a lot of panel time and all of it is right out of the TV show. The book struggles a little bit to bring the Hornet into the book in a unique way but there may be more for him down the road. This comic book is fun and definitely is worth checking out whether you've seen the old shows or not. Obviously, if you are only familiar with the Nolan Batman then you might get your world rocked. Check this comic out.

This comic book was a fun read. I recommend reading the backup first because I think it packs more of a punch when you read the book in that order. I definitely advise skipping the "First Appearance" box as it is purely garbage as it tries to make sense of continuity in New 52 terms and fails at it miserably. Snyder knows how to tell a good story and that is the case here. I recommend checking this out.

I haven't enjoyed the start of a Batman story this much since the first issue of Morrison's Batman and Robin. This issue has just about everything. It's got character introductions, action, looks at the character of Bruce Wayne and as Batman and even some mystery. Snyder juggles a couple of threads and manages to show a few surprises in this issue. About the only thing I don't like about the issue is the logo. Beyond that I can't recommend a book more highly than this one.

Snyder is putting together an outstanding look at how the city makes what Batman and his villains are relative to each other. He's rolling out a comprehensive story that contains just about every aspect of the character that I look for in a Batman book. I think the only thing this book is missing is more Alfred. Overall, this is the class of the DC reboot/relaunch as far as I'm concerned.

Batman may very well be my favorite book of the re-launch. Snyder is proving that there are still aspects to Batman that haven't been defined in the decades that the character has seen print. The Owl story is building to something special and it looks like a payoff could be coming in the next issue based on the cliffhanger. It isn't too late to jump on this book. I definitely recommend doing so.

Snyder is treading in some dangerous waters at this point. He's delving into territory that is occupied by the elite writers of the character. It's a high risk, high reward situation. Some are going to find that this book is brilliant and helps solidify Snyder's mark on the character. While others might find this to have a been-there-done-that feel from the Morrison run. I find myself in the middle but don't be misunderstood; this is an entertaining issue with fantastic artwork. I'm fully charged to see where this is heading. I definitely recommend picking this book up.

Snyder is mastering Batman in ways I didn't think possible. He's got a new villain and a new angle on the threat. You add in that Capullo is telling a stunning visual story and you have one of the best Batman stories I've read in the last 25 years. I definitely recommend checking this book out.

Batman is really in trouble. This issue gives him a breather and allows him to piece together what his new adversary is all about. Armed with this knowledge does he realize what he is up against? We shall see. Snyder and Capullo represent the best of the New DC and this issue is no exception. I can't emphasize this enough: if you want in on this title then this is the issue to jump on with. I definitely recommend reading this comic book.

This issue may not have a lot plot movement or even that much violence. However, what Snyder does do is present Bruce Wayne in a state of weakness that is believable and presents a situation where you can see Batman getting taken down. When you consider the villains are literally no-names I found this to be a great strength to the overall story that Snyder is telling. The big crossover is here so if you plan to sample the books then you need this as a primer. Even if you just like Batman getting his house invaded I recommend picking this up. This book was a ton of fun and visually perfect. Don't let the price increase scare you off.

Batman is DC's best title. I can say that confidently and absolutely. It stands out much like Green Lantern did for so many of the previous five or six years. Snyder is creating an enormous storyline with a character that seems to have had everything already done. This book is one not to miss. Don't be scared away by the crossover. If you get one book this week get this one.

Does Bruce have a brother? Well, when you consider the owls can revive the dead then doesn't it seem reasonable that the owls raised the infant as their own after the Wayne's presumed he was dead? I'm sure this going to come back down the road. For now, this is a good arc to read and the conclusion is in line with how the best Batman comics end.

Batman is the best book DC has going and it's not even close. If you only pick up one super hero book this should be it. If you only pick up one DC book then this should be it. If you only pick one book, period, this should be it. I can't wait to see where this all going.

Batman is the complete read each and every month. The backup just helps to fill in some of the back-story of this arc and it is exceptionally done as it captures the interaction between the Riddler and the Joker exactly how I would imagine it to be under the circumstances. Slip up with the gloves aside, this comic book is a fantastic read. The last page, the last line is particularly exceptional and it may be the most memorable line written by Snyder throughout his fantastic run on Batman. A great read.

Batman is a tremendous read. This story is definitely more familiar than the Court of Owls and the threat feels more realistic. Sure, it's a little weird, but not quite Silver Age weird. The book is a great read and the conclusion is something I am anxiously awaiting.

Batman is simply the best DC title on the stands and it has been this way since the reboot. This particular issue is just as good as all the rest. However, there are elements in the book that made it fall well short of brilliant, which is the category for many of Snyder's Batman issues. A good but not great ending to a very good crossover.

Batman probably isn't the kind of character to apologize. Yet, he does in this story. It felt partly cheesy, partly unrealistic and partly forced. It worked to bring Harper and Batman to a level of common ground but the book just doesn't click as something in line with Batman. Is Snyder setting up the next Robin? Maybe, but this is not the best showcase for the character.

Capullo delivers excellent art as always. The Clayface in this comic is a departure from the previous versions and I like the way Capullo illustrates the transformations. I particularly like the expressions he gives Clayface when he is completely switched to some other persona. It's a very good illustrated comic book.

Snyder launches a very ambitious arc with this issue. It's a long story and it really seems to trample a lot of continuity in the process. If you can look past that and just sit back and relax you will probably end up with a really entertaining storyline. This is a good opening issue.

Year One is a slow burn but this issue feels very dense and that helps make the issue feel fulfilling and entertaining despite only being Part Two of the story. I like the idea of Bruce running around fighting crime as something other than Batman and that is what we have here. If only Snyder can work through the characterization growing pains and we will another classic on our hands. I recommend picking this issue up.

DC editorial couldn't have created a bigger mess if they tried. This comic book manages to snub its nose at any loyal follower of the Snyder/Capullo book while chopping Kubert and Clarke at the knees by putting their story in the flagship book. How DC editorial allowed this incarnation of the Joker into the main Batman book is completely unreasonable. This story hidden away in some other Batman book would have been a decent effort but jamming it in here gives it no chance of surviving. If you've missed all Batman books for the last 20 years then you might like what you find in here.

The Riddler isn't the type of villain that seems to have a crime syndicate or bag of tricks to play on Batman, but when done right, this character is every bit as interesting any other Batman villain. This comic book is worth picking for the story as well as the cool looking cover. Check it out.

Batman is a great book. This individual issue is a great read because it takes the reader on the journey that transforms Bruce Wayne into Batman. It's not a holistic victory and the novice Batman probably should have some subtle failure early on. The book is simply a great read and I recommend picking it up for anyone that has any interest in the character.

Batman is consistently one of the very best reads each and every month. You never get a bad issue. And even the average ones are simply better than just about every other book on the stands. This issue is actually a great place to start reading this book if you have been shy about picking this up. I urge everyone to give this comic a shot.

The series is great. This issue is great. Even the most hardened, anti-super-hero comic book reader I feel would enjoy this comic book. This issue reshapes relationships, fleshes out a new villain and provides powerful and boundary breaking visuals. It's a great comic book. Give this a try.

Batman continues to be a compelling read every month. This is the comic book series to pick up even if this issue isn't up to the usual high level of storytelling all the way through. This issue has too much focus on other's lecturing Bruce. It's good stuff, but perhaps split up would have made the difference. There's something to be said for pacing I suppose. Anyway, you can't go wrong with this comic book.

Why DC didn't just make this a flipbook with the regular Year Zero storyline I have no idea. To completely remove the Year Zero story that's been running in this series for months is a cheap move. The contents are good and I think some of the fans will be thrilled but there isn't enough in this issue to make me want to run out and buy Batman Eternals. This is a decent read but if you are looking for that groundbreaking level of Batman storytelling you normally get in this comic series then skip this issue.

Batman is one of the best books out there today and is DC's strongest book by far since the inception of the New 52. This particular issue ties up a lot of the Year Zero storylines that have been cooking for a while now. The comic doesn't reinvent anything in the Batman mythos but augments some adventures to his already rich history. This is a very good issue and is one I recommend checking out. Where does Snyder go from here?

Batman is the best book on DC's schedule and has been for some time. The book has a consistent story that jumps around the timeline but holds true to the character and puts the pieces in place of a bigger story that keeps Snyder's overall theme in mind perfectly. This particular issue puts Batman and Gotham in one of the worst positions possible but the joy will be watching Batman pull himself and the city out of it. It's a good issue and is one of the best reads month in and out. I recommend checking this comic out.

Batman is a great book under Snyder and Capullo and it has been the entire time under the New 52 banner. This particular issue stands out as a great one. I can't find any flaw in this book and this is the kind of issue you file in a spot where you can pull it up and re-read from time to time to get a charge of Batman. Great, great comic book.

Batman is DC's best comic book. There is no question about it. This issue brings the long storyline closer to a finale but each issue has been as great as the next with all the drama, action and surprises that you want in a Batman book. I recommend this title very highly.

Batman is a fantastic read. It's no surprise that each issue manages to build a story in a way to provide a payoff at the end. This issue is the payoff and it delivers everything and more. This is the comic book to pick up this week. It captures much of what makes Batman and his supporting cast so special.

Batman is DC's very best comic in their publishing line. This issue kicks off the next big arc and it brings the action first. Batman uses his brains to defeat many of DC's best heroes. It's a fun book that obvious leaves the reader wanting more, especially after the cliffhanger. Well worth the price.

Batman finds himself in a very tough predicament as the book wraps up. Snyder manages to up the ante in this issue, which is a good thing. This makes waiting for the next issue all the harder. Isn't that all you can ask for from a comic book? I definitely recommend picking this issue up.

Batman is the strongest comic book in the DC stable since the reboot. This issue just brings another level to the Joker-Batman dynamic. I recommend checking this comic book out. I believe you will find yourself seeking out the back issues once you've read this issue.

Batman is the best book DC publishes. The stories are all epic. The characters are all A-list. The details are all clever. This issue is no different and brings the same high level of storytelling we've come to expect. The comic includes a backup story that sort of ties into the main story but isn't essential reading. It will be interesting to see how Batman gets out of this one.

Batman is the best book DC publishes and there is no question about it. Snyder and Capullo have built something special together that won't be around forever. Whether you like the take on the character or the general direction that DC is taking Batman in, these stories are classics and you would be hard-pressed to find a better Batman book over the last decade. This is worth picking up.

Batman fights the Joker. Yet, this comic is so much more than that. Snyder puts some misdirection in this issue to keep the reader on the edge of their seats. The final few pages are as surprising and dramatic as the final bloody confrontation between the pair. If you can spare five bucks this week I recommend checking this issue out, regardless if you have read any of this arc or title of late. Don't miss this issue because it may turn out to be a classic.

Batman is still a man in suit, but now a man in a suit inside a huge robot. This comic book explores the origins of finding the right man for that role. While the argument for picking the man is extremely weak, the book looks great and the idea has potential. Hopefully Snyder will explore the reasons behind getting this individual in the suit, instead of it seeming like someone said, "hey, let's do a story where character XYZ is Batman" but never really thinking through why that character would do it and under what circumstances would that be the right fit. This is an average comic book as things start out for the new direction for Batman.

As far as "Batman" standards go this issue is fairly average. Gordon continues to polish his Batman game while he tries out some new toys. A new villain is introduced as Gordon continues to use some detective skills to figure things out. The comic book is backed up with fantastic artwork, especially during the big fight. The missteps in Sawyer trying to convince Gordon to throw in the towel don't quite add up. Perhaps Snyder is going with the theme that Gordon is full of self-doubt and hesitation? It's unclear where this subplot is going at this point. Overall, this is a good read but nothing near the high standards that this team has set for to this point.

"Batman" provides a lot of information about what happened to Bruce Wayne. Using Jim Gordon, Clark Kent and Alfred makes this issue strong because some of the more important relationships in Bruce's life are looked at. The comic book struggles with transitions and jolts the reader in the back half of the book as it switches over to the latest villain and the brewing plot. Perhaps this issue would have been better served staying more closely focused on Bruce for more pages. The artwork is stellar as always. This is a decent read as Snyder and Capullo never fail to entertain.

"Batman" tells a one-shot set outside of the Snyder-Capullo narrative. Snyder, Azzarello and Jock put the Dark Knight in a situation where he is investigating a murdered fifteen-year old. The comic book contains stunning visuals that make this story a memorable one. However, the book is slowed down by the lack of detective work on the part of Batman. He seems to simply ask questions or beat people while Gordon runs police tests on evidence rather than connecting his own dots and working things through on his own. The comic also tries to jam in real-life social topics to create a more tragic victim and this tactic doesn't fit the story. The comic is worth a look but there are plenty of other Batman one-shots that are better and cheaper than the five dollar price tag that this one carries.

"Batman" provides an entertaining and compelling read this month. Gordon finds himself in hot water with villains and with his boss. Things seem to be going poorly for Gordon, while the life of Bruce Wayne couldn't be going better. This comic is one of the strongest reads month after month, but that is as much because of the artwork as it is for the storytelling. I highly recommend checking this issue out.

"Batman" continues to explore a number of plots in the current issue. The primary one has Gordon taking on Mr. Bloom in a strong confrontation with a very weak setup. The comic struggles to provide convincing arguments or explanations for decisions the characters make and that hold this issue back. The artwork helps to deliver a strong visual story to balance out the weaker script. Overall, this is a very average read in what is proving to be an average arc. They all can't be blockbusters.

"Batman" seems to wrap up the Bloom plot and the Wayne amnesia subplot in this issue. The comic has a lot of action as Bat-Gordon takes on Bloom, but it also has some very symbolic moments as Wayne regains some of his memories. The comic is backed up with terrific visuals from Capullo. The comic doesn't quite sell how Wayne recovers his memory and it also suffers from a very poorly constructed villain in Bloom. This is a decent, but average read in the series from this creative team. I mildly recommend it.

"Batman" continues the story where Bloom is defeating Gordon while Bruce struggles with his memory and his destiny. The comic has an excellent component where the story alternates between Bruce coming to terms with who he really is while Gordon is losing the battle against Bloom. The comic is backed up with fantastic artwork and provides an excellent final page. The comic's drawback is how Bloom's role in the plot just seems so secondary to getting Bruce back into the Bat suit. The villain just seems too odd with too strange of a means to destroying the population of Gotham for a Batman story. It will be interesting to see how this ends. This is a good comic and one that is worth a read.

"Batman" brings Bruce Wayne face to face with Alfred with the Batman identity hanging in the balance. Bruce wants Batman back at any cost while Alfred simply can't let the new Bruce Wayne go. It's a touching issue that reveals a lot about what the pair think of Batman and each other. The comic book has guest art that is gorgeous but doesn't provide the same epic feel that Capullo has the knack for doing. This is a very good comic book to pick up. Especially if you are interested in hearing how Bruce Wayne defines the meaning of Batman to the city of Gotham. I enjoyed the comic.

This story is a good one. However, it doesn't rise to great because of the strange lecturing that Batman and Bruce Wayne do in a couple of spots in the issue. Freeze is also not a sympathetic character anymore which makes the effectiveness of the heart-string pulling a little tougher to pull off. This is a very entertaining read with a couple of characterization flaws.

The Batman annual is a good read. I liked the setup even if it isn't too original. I think the issue would have worked better if the villain didn't have this phasing power that she seems to possess but it did make for a different read in the Batman world. Overall, this was a fun read and that's what its all about.

If you like a good Joker story then here is a good one for you. It actually does have Batman in it, but not much at all. Even without Batman there is a good character study of The Joker and how he might twist a regular person. It's a chilling read by the end of the comic book. I recommend checking this out.

The "Batman" Annual is a decent idea executed horribly wrong. Alfred's missing hand appears and disappears several times and the climatic scene is missing the 'show' aspect of what Wayne is doing as the artwork doesn't hold up to its end of telling a story. Editorially the comic book has nothing to do with the top selling "Batman" title but seems to be an extension of "Arkham Manor" which last so the light of day in March with one sixth the readership as "Batman." A reader of only "Batman" will be lost in the shuffle as to how Wayne lost his house and how it was turned into an asylum. When you charge five bucks for a comic book you need to make sure the top effort is there and not just the page count. This comic book is a mess. Avoid it. Whatever Tynion was hoping to do with this issue was simply not supported by the rest of the team involved.

Futures End Batman is a good book. It misses in a lot of spots, but it works well for the individual story it needs to tell. I would have preferred a little more explanation as to how Bruce Wayne aged so much in just five years but it's a personal preference. The cover is among the worst in this 3D event but that's just a gimmick. Overall, this is a good comic book to pick up.

This is a comic that doesn't go to the depths of creepiness that we've seen in previous issues. However, Batman and Robin are put in over their heads, as a team, for what appears to be the first time. The cliffhanger is good because it reminded me of the 1960s show's cliffhangers without the campy delivery. This comic continues to be one of the best reads month in and month out.

This issue contains three points that are worthwhile: Batman and Robin's dialogue in the beginning of the issue, Jason's confrontation of Dick and the surprise ending. Beyond that this issue doesn't really shine as the others have in this series. I have extremely high expectations for this series and this issue fell short of even the most modest ones.

This is a good comic book. I may not understand the Batwoman piece but there is a lot to like in this issue. Without the word balloon gaff this would be a four geek goggle comic book. I hope next issue doesn't have any more errors as I look forward to another great fight with Bat-clone.

Batman and Robin has launched the apparent return of Bruce Wayne in this issue. I can't say this issue is essential to the storyline but it certainly was an entertaining read. There is a lot going on in this comic that will be discovered upon subsequent reads. Really, that's all you can ask for from a comic book. This is definitely recommended.

Batman and Robin is a title that is mixing in a lot of mystery and building several stories to a much larger climax. This isn't all just about Bruce Wayne being missing. I like this comic book and I definitely think it's as good as some of the previous ones in this series. I do think someone coming in cold would be a little lost but it is only the second issue of the arc so there isn't much to catch up on. I highly recommend this comic.

Morrison has brought a close to his first year on the Batman and Robin title in true grand finale fashion. He's also kicked off the major storyline about searching for Bruce Wayne and he's planted no fewer than three huge seeds for future stories. I was thoroughly impressed with this effort and it is issues like these that make you glad you sat through some of the stranger issues in this run. This is your payoff issue.

The Joker takes control of the comic book, the arc and the Morrison run in this issue. What's not to like? This is the comic book where the bulk of Morrison's run becomes very clear. I enjoyed this issue probably more than any other in this series.

When did the Morrison run really start? Was it with Batman and Son? Was it with issue #666 or the start of R.I.P? Wherever you believe it actually began you will find that you can relax your mind at the conclusion of this issue. Most of your questions are answered and a very different and new beginning is launched. I can't wait to go back and reread this whole thing….but I guess I need to wait for Return of Bruce Wayne #6 to ship. I highly recommend this comic book.

The comic book entertains and drives home the key points well. Batman is in pain and he is using anger to express his feelings. Batgirl is losing her grip on her costume life and is looking for some sort of reconciliation with anyone willing to listen. The book is a good read and I think it brings the two worlds together nicely.

The DC one-shots have not been that good thus far. However, this one proves that when a story is done in a manner that is accessible but still appealing to those consistent readers then you will have a comic that has the potential to reach a broader audience. This book definitely is one to pick up if you are a Batman fan, a Two-Face fan or if you just curious about the cool covers. I recommend tracking this one down.

My hope is that the McKillen thread will see more usage in the coming issues and that this Two-Face origin will be straightened out a little more as well. If you don't look too closely at the Two-Face origin then hopefully you will find the issue more enjoyable than I did. The book shifts gears too violently in this comic and the shift is not a good one at all. If the book's focus stayed more on McKillen and the present plot I think it would have been a great read.

Batman and Two-Face seem to take a bit of a backseat with Erin McKillen and I think that is a good thing. I almost prefer that Two-Face fade into the background for the rest of the arc as it seems she is a good match for Batman. This issue is a solid read and one to pick up if you are interesting in seeing a different, non-costumed, Batman villain.

This is a near perfect example of a self-enclosed, entertaining and fun comic book. While the "real" Batman doesn't really factor in to the book, the story is a lot of fun and showcases a lot of aspects of the key characters that readers might usually not see. This is a great read and shouldn't be passed up.

Batman and Robin is a fun read. It's a one-shot that really helps to juxtapose Dick's attitude when he took on being Robin versus Damian's general superiority complex. The book gives enough character work to make it worth reading but it also provides some action to help push the book along at a nice pace. This is definitely worth reading despite the problems with the artwork.

Death in comic books is sort of silly. I doubt Robin will stay dead and that makes the issue really miss if, in fact, there is some permanence in this death. It also doesn't help that a Robin has already died (albeit 25 years ago). The book is a good read and those following Morrison's run will love it. If you are curious about what happens you probably aren't missing very much. The good news is that another comic book character will probably die next month anyway.

Morrison brings some fun into this book and provides a level of mystery that will require some of Batman's detective work. It's nice to see the Morrison Batman book take a break from the science fiction aspect of storytelling. I think this issue is a very good frame for the relationship between Batman/Catwoman and Bruce/Selina. Batman Inc is looking like it will be a fast and entertaining book to read. This was a good first step.

I was hoping for a great plot and some character definitions in this book. Instead Pak sort of establishes what the character's origins are and how they stand in the DCU now, which is fine but it doesn't put a personality on them. However, Pak brings a nice mystery and there seems to be a great plot cooking up for future issues. I am definitely interested in where this is heading. This is a good start.

Let's face it; we've seen plenty of stories where super heroes are lost in another time dimension or stories where they meet up with alternate versions of themselves. This is nothing new. However, Pak is injecting new ideas and energy in this story type that makes the story engaging and entertaining. I am finding this story to be highly enjoyable. I can't help but wonder if this is the next sprawling epic on the scale of Planet Hulk that comes out of nowhere to be a big hit. Either way Pak and Lee have my attention. I am eager to see where this goes.

Finally, the one page story by Niles, Buscema and Hill is a little story about Batman hunting down some bad guys. It's short and funny. It's not clear if it's Wayne under the cowl though. I liked this short one a lot.

Batman Eternal seems to be a comic that is catering to the broadest of fan bases. This is the comic to sample if you are curious about Batman but don't have a lot of strong ideas about what the characters stand for and are about. The Batman fan that knows these characters inside and out are going to struggle with a lot of small things, like Batman's very un-Batman-like dialogue. This is a series to watch and an issue to try but it's nothing special yet.

Batman Eternal has the luxury of moving the story along quickly because of the weekly schedule. However, the components showing in the first two issues don't really seem to warrant a weekly comic book. The ideas just don't feel that special. We'll see where all of this is heading. This will entertain you but will it entertain enough to keep your interest weekly? I'm not sure about that.

A weekly Batman book has the potential to be a disaster but this one is shaping up to be a very good read. The comic is introducing some old characters to keep the reader happy that things are changing while giving the overall story a believable villain to keep Batman and Gotham in dire straits for a few issues. If you like a good Batman story then strap yourselves in because it appears you will get it in this comic book.

Batman Eternal is the pretty much the only "current" timeline Batman book out there now. The book seems to be ambitious in its plot scope but that seems fitting for Batman. This individual issue doesn't quite hit the mark as it reads very disjointed in of itself and doesn't seem in line with characterizations already established. This might be the dud in the bunch unfortunately.

Batman Eternal is the book to be reading if you want "current" Batman books. Unfortunately Batman is barely in this one and the plot that just started jumping off the ground is barely touched. It feels like editorial is barely linking these crossover books together and just hoping the ending ties it all out and the reader is satisfied. As an individual issue this is forgettable and uninteresting.

Batman Eternal is drifting. It burst on to the scene with four strong issues and has since fallen into crossover-like, unfocused issues. The past two issues feel like they are trying to force storylines simply to bring in other characters. While that might payoff down the road they make for an uneven read that puts some doubt about how well this series might hold up for six months or longer. Combine that with generally poor issue construction and the individual comic book is utterly forgettable. Hopefully this series will pick up and soon.

"Batman: Europa" kicks off the four-part mini-series with a classic rendering of Batman and The Joker. The pair are infected with a deadly disease and appear to need each other in order to solve the case. The comic book has a painted, but classic look to the artwork as the book has a timelessness to it. The comic book doesn't break any story barriers and does feel like any number of other Batman stories that have come before it. If you are looking for a more classic version of Batman that is continuity free and involves The Joker then this comic is one to check out. I recommend giving it a look.

Joker's Daughter gives some details into the character's past but is mostly a book that brings the character to the next level of evil. She's a character that wants to be villainous, that wants to be a big player in the underworld but clearly doesn't have what it takes. However, in this issue she turns the corner and starts on the path that can lead to being a viable Batman villain. If DC continues to push this character then this comic book is going to become essential reading. I urge you to give this one a shot.

The character of the Ventriloquist is an interesting one. She's a bit deeper than the previous incarnation and Simone knows how to build up a villain well. The comic book has a lot of strange turns in the storytelling and that holds it back. Overall, as a throwaway comic this one is pretty good and those readers of Batgirl definitely need to pick this up because of the character development. I mildly recommend this book for the casual fan, but the hardcore Batman or Batgirl fans will want to track this down.

Clayface is a C-list Batman villain. He will never rise above that classification. Layman embraces that and brings him down to the dumb level, which seems more fitting than the variety that can fool Batman with his shape shifting. If you like an entertaining, throwaway read with a really cool cover then pick this up.

Morrison sets up nicely the next big Batman story in this concise and direct issue. There isn't a lot of hidden goodies in here, though he does hint at the future once or twice. Instead Morrison creates a fast-paced, wild ride that brings Bruce up to full speed so the real action can start. You could argue that Batman is already incorporated because he has a small army of comic books out there. If you plan to only pick up one then you might want to grab this one because it will point you in the direction of which series to follow long term. Don't let the five dollar cover price scare you off. This was a great read.

Bruce Wayne is alive and stuck in a time loop and this is the first issue of his adventure. Bruce isn't fully Bruce so he needs some help and in this comic he gets some. However, others are in pursuit of him to make the comic book have a nice cliffhanger. You get thirty eight pages of a great artwork and a very cool story. I am definitely looking forward to the next issue to see how Bruce fairs in a different time period.

Ultimately this comic book has a niche audience. Those that collect every single Batman comic will be picking this one up. As will fans of the creative team and fans of the 1990s comic book stories. However, this story sets up an interesting story that could have done just fine in the regular Batman titles if Bruce Wayne were still around. It's definitely worth checking out if you have some wiggle room in your budget.

While on the surface this comic seems to be just another Batman mini series, one that probably has a target audience that likes this creative team. The comic is an enjoyable story that has its own niche with the villain and construction of the villain. It's a good story and has some terrific artwork. This is worth checking out.

Batman just can't seem to get a hold on the Meat Man, but nobody can track an invisible man like Batman. The question now is about whether or not the Meat Man has any other victim on his list. Is the Meat Man now just a villain on the run or does he even have a next step for Batman to solve? The finale should be a good one.

This comic isn't a deep study of Batman or any sort of amazing detective story. However, it's a solid story that is something to take a look at. It's not often we get Batman a bit vulnerable and filled with doubt to the point he's willing to cross some of the moral lines he seems to usually have. This is a story that is well told with fun artwork. Seeing Batman work from Moench and Jones of this caliber only makes me want them to return for another mini series. Oh well, I still have plenty of their work from nineties to re-read.

This book has dug itself into a tremendous hole. I am anxious and hopeful that Azzarello can dig himself out of it. However, I am skeptical. If you are looking for a reason to hate Before Watchmen here is a good example. If you haven't read the original and are looking to get into Before Watchmen you might want to hold off on this one.

I'm not sure where this series is going. I assume we will eventually get to Blake blowtorching people in Vietnam, but I really don't see how the character's action will line up with how these first two issues present him. I am not recommending this book, unfortunately, not even for the backup, which is getting fairly interesting at this point.

This comic is a nice snapshot of a story for The Comedian. However, the story is very difficult to place in the larger context of the character in other comics. It's difficult to pull off a character that is so blatantly against rules and yet takes orders from Senators and has deep emotions when he sees a familiar face. The book is just not the best effort editorial nor in its execution.

Doctor Manhattan was always going to be a tough sell. There just isn't a ton to go on here. To be honest, his personality lends itself to less and not more. I appreciate the detail that Straczynski put into the voice of Manhattan as it is seamless from the original. Couple that with the tremendous art and you have a decent read. However, DC would have been better served letting Straczynski launch immediately into the "What If?" story and printed a reprint of the original issue number four. If you want in on the ground floor then this is the issue for you.

Written for trade, this first issue is nothing to be excited about beyond the art. Once Cooke gains some traction on the characters I would think the story is going to really take off. However, for now, this is all set up with terrific pencils.

Before Watchmen is a controversial idea with a lot of great creators attached. Cooke is a huge name to add to the mix and he delivered on artwork just as he has in so many of his projects. However, this comic is a bad ending to a poorly told story. This is not Cooke's finest hour and he had the largest, most unexplored area of continuity to leverage. This is a big disappointment on a lot of levels.

I can't say there is much here to warrant a look at this book. If only this was the "Untold Team-Up Tales of Nite Owl and Rorschach" then I think the book would have had something. Instead, this is a disjointed origin story that ends with a flutter instead of a cliffhanger.

If you like character background then this is the issue for you. I'm not sure we get to know why Ozymandias turned bad, but this issue at least lets the reader understand why he put on tights. This is a very average origin story about a character that probably deserves something more special to be written about them.

The reason to pick up this book is the artwork. The story feels like any super hero character could be in Rorschach's place and we would have the same story. At the same time, much of actions that Rorschach takes don't feel like they fit in with the character. However, the book is a fun read and definitely takes me to the kind of story that I imagined but never saw while reading the original Watchmen. This is worth checking out.

This series is off to a great start. I'm sure there could be some critics that might say that these characters are simply too different from how they appear in the original. However, it certainly works for Laurie because she still has some level of youthful optimism in this series and it appears we will watch how that gets washed away. This is one to pick up.

This is the first issue of Before Watchmen that I felt has broken away from the original work. We are getting a solid adventure for one of the characters that doesn't constantly draw on weaving the story into the original one. This comic book is a completely different adventure and it is an entertaining one. You get your money's worth from the art alone, but this one has a good little story in it as well. I can't wait to see how this one ends up.

This issue represents the best single issue in the Before Watchmen launches. It's a great look into the moments where Laurie decides she can't pass up what she was meant to be and she also realizes she really doesn't want to pass it up either. The story does a fantastic job of showing the transformation of her thoughts, but the events also play out in a logical fashion. This was a great read.

I had no idea what to expect with this comic book. Having not seen the movie in years I probably couldn't have summarized the plot with any accuracy, but I don't think that matters at all. The comic is loads of fun and provides plenty of entertainment. Boom has a potential hit with this one. I urge you to check it out.

Big Trouble continues to be a tongue-in-cheek, fun and wild ride. This issue adds some clarity to the task at hand and launches Jack and company into the plot. There's plenty of action and a lot of quick-wit dialogue that helps to keep the issue moving at a nice pace. Generally speaking this is a fun read. It's not going to blow your mind, but it is the kind of read where you can kick up your heels have a laugh or two. You know, kind of like reading comics should be like from time to time. I recommend checking this out.

Birthright starts off with a bang. The first issue is padded with plenty of story and it doesn't stop to let the reader catch their breath. The comic has a wide appeal to anyone that ever had an imagination as a child about far-off lands but it will also appeal to those that have children and perhaps this storyline digs into their deepest fears. There is no reason to skip this comic book. This is why people read comics.

Bitch Planet is a good first step. The book needs room to breath and fold in all of the themes that it seems to want to tackle. What I wonder about is if there will be a character that can rise above the others that will help push this book over the top to become a must read. This is a series to watch. I recommend checking this out.

Bitch Planet is proving to be a good read. It has a lot of elements that feel similar to that of Hunger Games but it has a sharper edge so far. This is a comic book worth picking up and checking out. It won't be for everyone but you will be entertained if you read it. I recommend checking this out.

Bitch Planet is an ambitious book. I know this because of the back matter and not necessarily from what I read and see in the comic. I'm expecting some more character development and world building to help put this book's puzzle together. This issue is an okay read for those that have read the first two issues. New readers probably won't see anything in here that they haven't seen before. Give it a look regardless.

"Black Canary" is off to a decent start. The opening issue is bogged down by some very rushed and clunky dialogue as book rushes to have the supporting cast suspect that DD has a shady past. The comic is definitely trying to capture the character-driven feel that "Batgirl" has achieved. However, this comic doesn't take the time to lay out the setup in the same way "Batigrl" was so successful at doing. The comic is backed up with terrific, noir artwork that helps make this comic stand out from the everyday comic book. This is a comic book worth checking out by is a very average read. Hopefully the kinks in the character work will be worked out in the coming issues.

"Black Magick" is a great first issue. The comic book introduces an extremely strong lead character backed up with incredible artwork. The comic's plot is a hostage scene that brings a tense situation to a dramatic conclusion in the same issue. The comic is a complete read with a ton of back matter about the series and the universe that the creator's are establishing. This is an issue to pick up.

Black Science looks to be a wild ride that involves tearing down a character to his very core. This will be an interesting examination into what makes a character tick when he continually trades all that is important to him for gambles that seldom seem to payoff. Black Science is exactly the kind of comic I've been looking for and I urge you to check it out regardless if you enjoy science fiction or not. Awesome comic book.

The second issue of Black Science is a step back. The issue gets away from the science fiction and moves into more of a standard team of characters arguing over who is in charge and how to get out of a predicament. The story groundwork has been put into place so perhaps the next issue will get back to the pace of the first issue. The characters are still being fleshed out so there is some hope there as well for growth. Proceed with lowered expectations but this is still worth picking up.

The first issue is a good start to the series. I look for more complicated plots from a spy book but it seems that those will come down the road. The aspect of the book that is made clear is that the reader and the titled character's interfaces don't know the Black Widow character at all. I'm hopeful that this is true and we will see this in the coming issues. This is worth checking out.

This comic is a Flash vehicle and to a lesser extent, a JLA tie in. If you are looking for the meat of the war of light or the plot behind the Black Lanterns then absolutely skip this issue. Just because the master is revealed in this issue doesn't mean this issue is a must for the storyline. If you like Barry Allen, Mera, The Atom, and some others like Atom Smasher then you might like this issue. Otherwise there just isn't much in this comic book to justify the price tag or hype.

Blackest Night found its way into a story that's now unpredictable thanks to this issue. This is definitely a comic book worth checking out as most of the main heroes of the DCU have some piece of representation here. Maybe if so many of DC's characters hadn't died over the years this new plot twist wouldn't be such a problem. Oh well. There must be someone who can help them out, right?

This comic book contains some terrific dialogue whether it's from Lex Luthor, Sinestro or Ganthet and this makes the comic flow very nicely. The artwork has all kinds of surprises on various pages and makes the comic book worth a read. The story is strange because the comic book gives no reason to feel that the villains are anything to fear or even that they would be difficult to defeat. This is what prevents the comic book from achieving a "can't miss" status. One other item of note is that the letter at the back of the issue points readers towards a website called inblackestnight.com for character bios. This is something DC should have advertised much earlier as it would have made following the obscure tie-ins much easier. This is a decent comic book but it is not worthy of the blockbuster event tag it's been given.

I can see how a lot of people are going to love this comic. It has a lot big speeches and lots of flashy artwork. No one knows how to build up his pet characters like Geoff Johns. However, as a story, this comic book really only ends the Nekron threat that, to me, never felt like a threat in the first place. I look forward to getting back to basics with the core Green Lantern titles.

Overall, this arc is worth picking up because it doesn't simply really on Batman, Robin and Red Robin. The usage of Deadman and Etrigan make this story so much more enjoyable. You would expect Batman to try to outthink the dead and to do that you need to enlist characters like them. The comic probably tries to jam too much in it with the Commissioner and his daughter, but at least Damian has the chance to scoff about having to save Dick's ex-girlfriend. Overall, this was a fun read.

Booster Gold has had his own ongoing before. It was a good comic book. He's got a large following. There is no reason why this couldn't be given a try again. Perhaps DC isn't ready to break down the New 52 barrier in an ongoing series the way it was done here for this one-shot. However, this comic reads too much like a tease if this doesn't get tied to something in the works or out there now. I enjoyed this book but I think a new reader to the character might be a little lost as to what the character's purpose is. Give it a try. Hopefully there will be more of this coming down the pipe.

I am a huge fan of Swamp Thing and his legacy. This story brings a lot of that history into the issue and I wonder if those that have never read Swamp Thing would be lost, intrigued or overwhelmed. However, the comic book seemed to be in a rush to have Constantine telling jokes with Batman rather than laying out a story in a logical fashion. The elements are all here, but perhaps things will gel better in the next issue.

Bucky is a great character. This is an incarnation that is much different from how Brubaker wrote him in Captain America. At the very least Marvel is trying to tell a different kind story with this series and that is a good thing. This comic might be a little out there for some but it might be a welcome change for others. You definitely need to think outside of the box while reading this comic but I recommend checking it out if you are curious.

Caliban looks to be epic in nature, but in the confined space way in the tradition of 2001 or Alien. The comic is off to a great start as Ennis provides a strong core cast and a good mystery for the reader to ponder. If this is turning towards a horror comic then Ennis isn't giving that away in the first issue. This is a book worth checking out.

Captain America is a very good start to what will hopefully be a fantastic run. If this book follows the pattern that Remender has put out with Fear Agent and Uncanny X-Force then this issue is going to prove vital down the road. I suggest giving this a shot and settling in for a Captain America you probably haven't seen before and didn't know you ever would.

Captain America feels like a slow read and that might be because this book is monthly whereas things like All New X-Men ship every other week. Remender is building up his characters and supporting players. I suspect things are about to pick up in a big way. I'm sticking with this book because I am fan of the direction, but as far as individual issues go, this one is slightly above average.

Captain America is being taken to places he's not seen in a long time. The book has all the right parts to make for an epic story but it just isn't firing. It's a perfectly decent story but is missing the mark from being something special. Perhaps the reason is the book feels too much like an elseworld's story. Whatever the reason, I expect greatness from this creative team and we haven't reached it yet in this title.

Captain America, the title, has some challenges. The long story that Remender is telling requires a leap of faith because the book appears to be out of continuity. However, his character work can't be denied and that has helped to make the comic enjoyable. This particular issue is one of those pay off issues where the drama comes to a head. This is a good comic book.

Captain America has been in Dimension Z for nine issues. It was overdue that he returned to Earth. He's going to be a very changed man as a result and hopefully those stories will make use of the turmoil from these issues. This is a straightforward super hero story that puts down a foundation for a very mentally spent Cap to return to Earth. Hopefully this series will use this issue as a springboard to bigger things.

Captain America leaves Dimension Z with an awful lot of baggage. This is going to give Remender plenty to play with in the coming arcs. While the issue is a science fiction delight the overall story felt too much like an 'alternate worlds' kind of book. The danger seemed too fictional (even for the characters) making the read feel in a way ordinary. I recommend picking up this issue and the entire run if you really like some Captain America/science fiction stories. I enjoyed this and I can't wait to see where Remender takes Cap from here.

The return of Captain America was an eventuality and this was the mini series that brought him back. In years to come no one will remember that the return was spoiled in other titles weeks before the mini series completed. However, what will be out there for all to see is how this mini series, this issue in particular, was such a big departure from the entire Brubaker run on this character over the last several years. If you haven't read the Brubaker run then you might find this to be a marginally decent return from death story that was a little odd with some mixed results in art. However, if you loved the Brubaker run and how deep the conspiracy went then this is simply a letdown in terms of a payoff. Rogers should have stayed dead. It was a more interesting story apparently.

Captain Marvel is a terrific first issue. The direction for the series is set and this issue moves those pieces nicely into place. There isn't anything complicated to understand or some world threat to deal with. It's a person that decides for herself to break away and doing something she needs to do. Great start to a series and one everyone should keep their eye on if they aren't already picking this book up. This one has "Hawkeye of 2014" written all over it.

Generally Warren Ellis comics have a select audience. This comic isn't as heavy on the science fiction, though it contains some elements of it. Instead it's more of a historical look at what might have been using actual facts to help drive the offshoot part of the story. The comic book is worth checking out if you like a period piece where some science fiction seems out of place, but not impossible. I'm looking forward to the next issue.

Catwoman is a tough character to embrace. She has fans that seem to see her any number of ways. There seems to only be gray areas with regards to the character. This first issue might not have the punch to keep a brand new reader coming back but if you like a highly sexual-sometime-bad-ass version of the character then you have it here. For me, it misses as something I want to see more of.

Chew is on a roll and this arc looks to be another winner as it enters the finale. I definitely recommend this comic book for someone looking for something different that has a little cops and robbers mixed with some science fiction, and, apparently, vampires. If you are reading this review you are probably already very informed about this series so just add this to the rest of the praise the series is receiving.

By now this series has left its mark on being different. However, each issue manages to tell an entertaining, distinct and funny story. With the start of a new arc you won't find a better jump on point or a better issue to fall in love with the series over.

The series wins awards and high praise at every turn and it really isn't a mystery as to why. This issue takes a simple task, like adding a couple of characters and having a couple of fights and wraps it into an entertaining, funny and amazing display of art. I find myself laughing at each read and still wondering how things will shake out in the next issue. This is one of the best comics out there these days and this issue is a good example of just that.

Chew is still building its overall story and its cache of characters. This issue is just one more step in that journey. This book shouldn't be missed and it definitely isn't too late to jump on board. There are plenty of great books on the market today but few combine humor, action, unique and compelling art along with a great story and interesting characters. This book has it all and this issue is a perfect example of everything that makes the book great.

Chew is at the top of list to read each time it ships. It seems that each issue contains surprises and that each issue builds the puzzle out making the overall story more layered and worthy of a complete series re-read. I can't recommend this issue and series any more.

I enjoyed this issue of Chew as much as any other. You never get a bad one. As is the case with most opening issues to an arc there is a lot of set up and quite a bit of unanswered questions. This issue felt like it ended just as the steam was picking up but without the aid of a cliffhanger. It's a fun read and I'm sure the arc is going to be outstanding once it's completed.

The bar on this series is ridiculously high and, thus, I grade this book on a different scale from the normal books that come my way. It's an excellent issue and in many ways it reads like a one-shot so if you are new to the world of Chew you may want to pick this up and give it a try. You get a very entertaining read here that is literally different from everything else out there. I definitely recommend this book.

Chew is one of the best books I have ever read. Each issue brings me back to the magic I felt in the first issue and this one is no different. Layman is building an excellent cache of characters and keeping the story elements fresh and interesting. Guillory continues to put his own stamp on this book in a way you seldom see. I know a lot of folks prefer this series in trade format but this is one of those series that really is something I can't wait on. Plus, the letters column contains cat pictures if you are in to that.

Chew is a title that should be read from the very beginning. However, I truly believe that anyone could pick this issue up and be highly entertained. It's got great writing, a fast and entertaining story and distinctly amazing artwork. There is no reason to not pick this book up, unless you simply will only read comics with capes in them.

Chew is a fantastic book. Sometimes you have amazing issues and sometimes you have ones that are less amazing. All are great reads and all of them are fantastic entertainment. This issue is a focus on a character that really hasn't gotten too much attention and her story provides a compelling read. This is a fun one-shot to sample if you are new to Chew. Whatever your exposure (or lack of) to the book you won't be disappointed.

Chew is a terrific read. This issue really takes a somber turn but it still does it in a very Chew way. The book still has thirty issues left from here but it certainly seems we will be seeing more of these types of depressing issues. This represents doing "death" right in comics. It's emotional and it fits the story. It certainly doesn't seem to be done simply to shock the reader, though it definitely did do that. This is a comic not to be missed.

"Chew" wraps up its penultimate arc, "Last Suppers" with a surprising and emotional read. The fallout is going to have a big impact on how the final arc plays out. This is one of those powerful issues that only "Chew" seems capable of pulling off regularly. The comic is made more dramatic with the exceptional artwork as Guillory continues to churn out issue after issue of some of the best artwork in the business. This is a great issue in a great series. It will be a sad day when this comic comes to a close.

Chew and Revival are two comics that are great long form reads. They have deep characters and mysteries that are vastly different but equally as intriguing. When they are brought together the differences may seem jarring but the heart of the stories have a lot in common. There is no real recommended reading order to this book, though the Chew book pokes fun at this. However you slice it, this comic is a great read and a great introduction into two great series. Give it a try.

If you haven't read an issue of Chew this your chance. If you have, then you already know this comic book is going to be great. The only thing that is missing are the cat pictures that usually adorn the letters column.

Chrononauts is a great read if you turn off your brain and don't question much of what you read. If you sit back and look at the art and follow along with the basic story you will get the bang for your buck. This isn't anything terribly original but it entertains and that's probably what most comic book readers are looking for.

Chrononauts #2 is a strange book. The comic is basically twenty pages of showing off Murphy's art throughout history. The story idea is that one characters is trying to convince the other to live like he does, as the ruler of various time periods scattered throughout history. It's an okay read but there isn't much story wise. You won't find a nicer looking book though. I recommend giving this a look.

"Clean Room" marks the first ongoing Gail Simone series at Vertigo and it is off to a great start. Simone introduces a cache of interesting and well-defined characters while setting the stage for a super-natural story that cloaks itself in a religious cult. The comic provides some detailed pencils that hit the mark particularly well in two terrifying images. Overall, this is a fun, but in a chilling way, read. "Clean Room" is not a comic book to pass on.

Clone has a lot of promise. The opening issue establishes a couple of characters very nicely and introduces a very fast paced plot. The book's direction of the characters is still a bit of mystery but that isn't a bad thing at this junction. I definitely enjoyed this read and recommend giving this a try. I plan to stop back in for a second issue.

The comic is a great start. The book sets up the concept and introduces the characters but there isn't a ton in here to really blow you away by issue's end. This is perfectly fine for the long form but it does make for a mild launch. The science fiction fan or those looking for something out of the ordinary should get ready for what's looks to be a great ride.

Comeback is a very intriguing idea. Obviously written for the collected edition, the opening issue struggles to establish the characters as well as the premise. Where it excels in one, it falls a little short in the other. I think the book could end up being great, but this issue provides a slower start. This is one to keep you eye on even if you don't pick up the opening issue.

Conan and the People of the Black Circle is off to a good start. The plot is put out there early and Conan seems to have gotten himself in over his head all by the end of this issue. The book might be better served with the narration as seen in Truman or Wood's Conan but this is a nice change of pace. This is definitely a book to look for.

Conan has never been a character or a genre that I could get into. However, Wood is showing me that there is more to the character than a simple sword and sorcery comic. I would have preferred a lit more action and blood in this issue but there is room for that to come. I liked this issue and if you have ever looked for a reason to pick up a Conan comic then you won't find a better opportunity than this one.

Wood's run on Conan has been very good. The long view is one of a love story. This comic closes the book on the love story and unleashes a bloodbath of rage as Conan makes the decision to survive. Even it means carrying on alone. This is such a great read.

"Conan The Avenger" tells a self-contained story about Conan getting crucified. The comic excels on taking the reader through the trials of facing death. The book digs into the character's head as he comes up with an idea for escape, battles through the pain, only to find failure staring him in the face. The comic book is as good as it gets for going for a punch in the gut. This is a read that requires no previous knowledge of the character or the story line. I recommend picking this up to find out what Conan is all about.

There you have it, three stories in one comic book. Twenty four pages of entertainment with not a dud in the bunch. If you have been curious about Concrete then this is the issue to pick up. I enjoyed this read very much.

Obviously, the fans that hated the idea of a DCU Constantine aren't going to like this anyway, much like the Before Watchmen (creator rights issue aside) debacle. However, unlike Before Watchmen, this comic is looked to set a direction into the future of the character and not connect the dots to something that already exists that people love. If you are new to Constantine or indifferent to the idea of a DCU version of the character then you probably will find just enough to come back for more, especially if you like jagged lead characters or elements of magic. This was an average comic book with some glimpses of future promise.

"Contest of Champions" delivers a very average first issue. The premise of having characters fighting either against their will or for some carrot being dangled in front of them is an old one. This issue doesn't bring anything new to the table for that idea. This comic takes a few obscure characters and focuses on them while some of the better known characters make appearances to keep things interesting. The usage of caption boxes to both provide character insight as well as describe action is awkward. The artwork is very strong for a comic that is supposed to look and feel epic. Overall this is an average comic book with some minor potential going forward. At five dollars you might want to look elsewhere.

Convergence is pretty much a way that DC will flush away the New 52 and introduce the new status quo. This opening comic makes this seem like it will be a very bumpy road. If you are looking to take a breather from DC then this might be the time to do it. Maybe check back in when the new books hit in June. If you like New 52 Superman then this is your comic book to pick up. If you are looking for a sensible start to a big event for five bucks then this might not be it. Maybe this issue would have been better served as a freebie.

Convergence is definitely schedule filler. The old time DC fan might find a lot to enjoy in this comic book. They might even fall in love with the event. If you aren't up on your DC events and characters from twenty to thirty years ago then skip this. At five bucks you can easily find something else to check out. This one is for the die-hard fans only.

Convergence is definitely a mini-series for the die-hard DC fan. The reader that knows all of the characters from all of the universes and that's kept up with all of the major events through the years. If you are one of those readers then you will know how these characters should act and how the plot fits together. If you pick this up on a lark and are a casual DC reader then you are left to your own devices. You won't find a recap page or footnotes or any information to help you understand what's happening or the characters that are involved. You are left to sink or swim based on the material in the panels. Quite frankly there isn't enough for my entertainment. I can't recommend this book.

Convergence is an okay story with obscure characters. The plot is fairly thin but the action is heavy. The comic puts familiar names with unfamiliar faces into a tough situation. The comic struggles to make sense to the unseasoned reader but will probably be a great read for those that know the ins and outs of these characters. This is an okay comic book.

Convergence: Nightwing and Oracle represents my favorite book in the Convergence cache to this point. This is the kind of characterization the DC could use more of in their comics. Plenty of action, a surprise or two, all while injecting the Convergence story line. If you know and love these characters then this is a comic to pick up.

Nightwing and Oracle is a great comic book. Forget Convergence. Forgot the New 52. If you know Barbara Gordon as Batgirl or Oracle and you know Dick Grayson as Robin or Nightwing then you will find as solid as a comic book relationship as you'll find. Simone's command of these characters endures after all of these years. This is a great comic book that looks at what makes characters tick as they interact with each other. This is a great read.

Criminal is a solid idea. The success of the book lies in the character work and the grittiness of the world. It's an unforgiving world with murder, deception and mistrust. If any of those things interest you then I would pick this up. If you enjoyed a good Conan magazine back in the day then you will love this comic book as well. It's amazing just how similar Conan-like Lawless actually is in this story. Fantastic comic book. One of the very best you will find.

Criminal is a series where each arc is its own jumping on point. However, this arc is different than all the rest because you don't have to be a hardcore noir or crime fan to enjoy this read. This book manages to present a different kind of story that should hopefully be more appealing to a wider audience. I enjoyed this book thoroughly and highly recommend it for anyone looking for something a little different than the usual capes and cowls book.

There is a lot to like about the comic. The character development is rapid and deep. The artwork is dense, dark and moody. The story is straight forward, but with twists in the plot are looming. The comic provides real extras, not just cover galleries or pencils. This is truly a comic book worth checking out if you have any interest at all in crime dramas that are told in a character driven setting. This was an excellent first issue to this arc.

Criminal is still on the climb upwards in the current story, but this is a great comic. You really can't spend your money on anything better than this issue if you like crime dramas that make you think as you're reading. This is definitely one I recommend highly.

Criminal is the kind of story that you keep up with or get left behind. That isn't to stay its fast moving or some convoluted that it's boring. No, its got more than just a plot and some ancillary characters. It's a story that shows the underworld to be a place where no one is worthy rooting for. It's a comic that takes you to the dark places of these character's minds in subtle ways. It's a terrific read in an art form that is under utilized today in movies, TV and comic books.

This chapter of Criminal saw Tracy Lawless gets pushed to the brink of death. So much so that I can't believe he's going to survive this series. In true noir fashion though, should it even surprise me if he ends up dead? We'll see how this all ends up next issue. This is one of the best issues Brubaker has ever put together.

Curse is off to a promising start. The initial issue wastes no time by giving a personality to the lead character, showing the capabilities of the werewolf and getting down to the blood. The plots that are introduced don't mature in this issue but the setup seems sound enough to check out the rest of the series. This is a good first comic to what looks to be a promising mini-series.

Cyber Force is a concept that has been around for a couple of decades and yet I have never ventured into the water. This freebie was too good to pass up and I was glad I picked it up. The story was slow and it took a couple of reads before I understood what was going on, but I liked what I saw. Long time readers might find it easier to pick things up, but I hope they find the same level of enjoyment. This is too good to pass up.

Cyborg is a good read. The comic gives some background on the lead character, establishes his personality and presents his relationship with his father. The book doesn't have much action and is a slow read. The comic does introduce a villain that seems to be a slower building, but very intriguing one. Backed up with excellent artwork, you have a good, but no perfect, initial issue. I recommend checking this comic out.

The question about this series is whether or not you care enough about the fractured, but nurturing relationship between Cyclops and his father. If that interests you then a Greg Rucka written book is going to be a potential classic. If that sort of book leaves you cold then it doesn't matter how interesting the future plots are, this comic isn't going to entertain you. I like the set up and now we'll wait to see what Rucka has in store for the pair.

Yes, you've seen these types of stories before. Typically they are of the Terminator sort where the world is either inhabited or getting taken over by the evil robots. These robots may have slaughtered the human race but they are finding themselves struggling to find a purpose now. It's a clever twist on the idea and it is executed in an intriguing way. I definitely recommend checking this comic out.

D4ve is a strange comic book but it is definitely a fun read. Robots occupy Earth. But they've become complacent and bored with everyday life. If you like your comic books to have terrific characterization then this is one to pick up. This book is good fun, in a very odd way. D4ve is someone you want to see come out of this fog and kick some butt, even if it is just his oddball son that he knocks some sense into. I'm anxious to see where this is heading.

Damian is a hollow character made worse in this issue. The uninvolved characters that are jammed in this issue makes it read like pages are missing or were left on the cutting room floor. The comic is not terribly entertaining and I think even the biggest Damian fan is going to be disappointed.

The comic book is fantasy and horror blended together. It has elements of Dark Crystal, Legend, Lord of the Rings and many other movies or novels in it. That helps because you can't sum up those stories in one issue either so this has some room to get some traction. I was hoping to at least like the characters coming out of this but that didn't quite happen. This comic needs some work in the next couple of issues if there is to be any kind of interest in the long run. This is a decent start story-wise and a visual masterpiece in the art department. Check it out.

"DK III: The Master Race" kicks off with a thirty-page comic with a twelve-page mini-comic for six bucks. The issue is mostly setup as it provides the dilemma at hand and rolls out some of the key players. The artwork tries to replicate the original "Dark Knight" look but doesn't quite rise above the normal dark Batman comic book. The comic is a decent read but doesn't measure up to the hype yet. You should still pick this up because it might become a classic even if it isn't there just yet.

"DK III: The Master Race" is a very good read. The comic answers some questions about what happened to Batman and it brings the master race aspect of the story into clearer focus. The comic does a good job balancing the three character's story lines as they start to come together. The artwork and the comic's presentation are fantastic as everything from the weight of the paper to the mini-comic are of the highest quality. The third installment of the Dark Knight saga is shaping up to be worthy of the hype. I definitely recommend checking this out.

"Dark Knight III: The Master Race" raises the stakes in terms of tension and plot in the third issue. Once again, the comic provides a mini-comic and heavy paper for the cover and interiors to help give a little more bang for your six bucks. The comic goes over familiar territory where old heroes dust off their gear to save Earth one last time. However, there are a couple of interesting twists as things begin to heat up to set this story apart from previous ones. The artwork is good, but the presentation with the heavy page and mini-comic and big splash pages help to make the comic seem closer to epic in nature. This is worth a look if you don't mind paying the six bucks. It looks like this is going to be a mini-series that you don't want to miss.

While I can't say I am thrilled with the direction the Punisher seems to be taking, it was nice to see a fight actually have a conclusion for a change. What makes this comic work though isn't the storyline or the direction of the character, but the entertainment within this comic. From a strict entertainment standpoint this comic has an excellent fight, terrific artwork and a fascinating setup to reach the ultimately odd conclusion. I enjoyed this comic book very much and I definitely recommend it.

Obviously this is not essential reading, but the sketch pages, reprint of Jason Aaron's first Wolverine story and the two entries from the Marvel Encyclopedia help justify the $4 cover price. The story is very good and opens up the potential for a greater cast and storylines to come. If you appreciate a good, but different Wolverine story that has some humor in it and is light on the assassin stuff then this story is for you. You even get some laughs out of Norman Osborn's scenes. This is a great one shot and Wolverine story.

The comic book doesn't do anything crazy like resolve the Dark Reign conflict, but it does provide the face-off that you would expect to get from these two characters. It's an oversized story with a decent reprint of a Bendis and Bagley comic from a few years ago. There is a lot to offer in this comic book for $4 which is not a common thing to find these days.

Dead Body Road rockets out of the gate with a great issue. We have a good plot, deeply defined characters and some grizzled artwork to put together the perfect crime-gone-wrong/revenge story. I am waiting for the second issue in hopes of more action, death, torture and backstabbing. This is a great book.

Deadly Class offers up an issue that is mostly origin story but it helps to fully introduce the lead character. The comic book has a lot of background so that the reader gets a good idea what the lead character is all about. The book has some action and advances the overall story to the next phase very nicely. This book is one to pick up without a doubt.

Deadly Class is a gem of a book. It's a bit of a period piece as it takes place in the 1980s but it relies on emotions that are timeless. This origin issue pulls on the reader's strings and delivers a great ride even if the reader knows how it's going to end. This is one to pick up.

Deadly Class is an enjoyable read. The characters all have a way of shunning perfection. The characters display their flaws often and they become part of the storyline. While this issue may seem like a revenge story or tying up loose ends story, it really is a drama that is the result of a love triangle. The comic book has plenty of action and wonderful visuals to round out the reading experience. This is definitely something to pick up.

Deadpool is a good read. It's not great, but it does a nice job of keeping up a brisk pace and throwing something interesting into the mix with the zombie Presidents. Priced at three dollars you could do a lot worse for your entertainment value with all the overpriced books on the market. I recommend checking this out if you are looking for something fun to read and this book just might offer enough to come back for a second issue.

This issue of Deadpool provides a nice one and done story. Obviously the groundwork here will lead to more stories down the road, but for now, this issue is a good standalone story. Obviously the book is a "period piece" especially in terms of references, but it's done very well. If you like your comics to be standalone or your stories to be a little tongue-in-cheek then check this out.

Deadpool time travels and finds himself on an adventure that requires some detective skills. The comic book is a great one shot that creates a Silver Age comic in the modern age. The character and the storytelling is an acquired taste but I bet if you pick this up you will be entertained and you close the cover with a smile on your face. These types of comics are pure fun.

If you are willing to drop ten bucks on a comic book about Deadpool then you probably will like this issue. If you are a fan of the character and loved some of the character's creators over the years then this book is probably a dream come true. To me, it's a little bit too much Deadpool, but I was still entertained for a good stretch of time. At the very least, pick this up off the shelf and look at the cover for a while.

So Wolverine is apparently going to die. This comic starts the reader down that path. There are a lot of faceless assassins gunning for him and a C-list villain, which oddly fits. The book is a nice setup of what's to come presumably, with some fantastic artwork and plenty of back matter. It's worth checking out but doesn't quite reach anywhere near a classic reads category. Give it a shot.

Death of Wolverine is a touchy subject among many of the fans. The character deaths do feel out of control. However, the individual book is a decent read with fantastic artwork. From the setup in this comic book wouldn't you think this is like every other mess Wolverine has gotten himself into and then out of? Why would you think he won't find a way out of it? We'll find out in a couple of weeks as I see the third issue is delayed until October it appears. If you love McNiven then this is a must have. As far as stories go the comic is average.

Death of Wolverine is an okay mini-series. If you love the character then seeing this thing through to the end is a necessary evil. McNiven's art makes this more than tolerable but the story and plot just are not there. Combine that with the $5 price tag and you have something that you can probably take a pass on.

Wolverine is dead. He deserved a better send off. I'm not suggesting the story needed to be dragged on for twelve issues but the with four issues, Soule could have easily presented a tight character arc that brought out Wolverine's final lap through his struggle to become a man above an animal. Perhaps an arc to finish the idea that everyone he has loved ends up dying. There were plenty of ways to put a nice cap on one of the long running themes from Wolverine's complicated past. Instead, Soule provides a mediocre story that doesn't seem to build any danger or allow the reader to believe that Wolverine is in any kind of internal struggle. Without McNiven this book would be totally avoidable.

This is the kind of one-shot that will sneak up on you. You probably pass this by on the rack but this comic is well worth stopping and at least looking at the first few pages. This is a very good self-enclosed story that definitely captures the best of the Captain America-Deadpool-Wolverine dynamic. I suggest giving this a shot despite the price point.

This anthology hits all the right notes with the Cyclops story. It struggles with the other two stories, but for different reasons and it is not universally a miss for either one. The comic at least addresses that the X-Men are hurting and they are trying to deal with their grief and anger. This comic highlights a couple of those characters. The book is over-priced at $5 so it's easy to pass up. However, if you like these characters and you should pick this up you probably won't regret it.

I'm not sure sending Wolverine's enemies/sometimes allies, on a quest together is all that appealing. The one interesting thread was that Dark Wolverine learned that Wolverine was being sold - in pieces - in some market in some distance land. Beyond that, this book doesn't give me much to get excited about. It's an okay book that would have been far better served as a freebie teaser for the rest of the mini-series. You really need to be a complete-ist to pick this one up.

The Logan Legacy doesn't appear to be much more than a series of one-shots that have some loose connection together. Based on the previous issue I assumed there would be more of a quest that the group embarks on. However, a one-shot dealing with Laura is probably appropriate and this comic does a great job of giving her perspective on the death of wolverine, short of her visiting a shrink. This is a good book.

I don't know how this comic could have been better. Perhaps if the jealously led Sabretooth to someone related to the killing of Wolverine? Or maybe if he found someone that was as jealous? I'm not sure but this direction took the things that make Sabretooth great and threw them into a very strange book. I wasn't into this comic book at all.

This comic runs side by side with the Death of Wolverine story. I like the idea of a parallel track, such as this, and the plot threads could have some interesting results down the line. The characters are also nice additions to this event fallout. The comic could have used some work making this book a tighter read, but overall this is a good start. I recommend checking this out.

This Weapon X mini-series isn't bad. It's a good idea. I'm not sure this issue was necessary or accomplished much and that is a problem. The series isn't a lost cause. Not yet anyway. This is a below average comic book.

Deathlok is a comic book you had no idea you wanted. However, if you like spy comics or comics with government cover-ups and conspiracies then this is a book to pick up. This is an action-packed first issue that provides just enough information to give you an idea of what's going on with the plot and characters. I recommend checking this out.

Deathmatch sounds like a hollow comic book concept. This issue proves it is not. Jenkins has a bunch of plots running here as he appears to be pulling threads out in various directions to join them back up at some future point. The fighting isn't nearly as central to this book as the title suggests. To round out the book the comic has a bracket and bios in the back making this comic book a true experience. I definitely enjoyed this comic book.

Perhaps if you know about characters like Sir Ystin, Vandal Savage or Exoristos you will love this issue and the situations they have been put in. Or maybe you have faith that in time the plot and story will kick in and the book will really get rolling. As an added bonus, Cornell has promised that future issues will have dragons in them. But as a first issue this comic just doesn't do enough to grab my interest. It feels too much like chapter one instead of a self-contained story in its own right.

Descender is a comic book that throws a lot at a reader in the first issue. It's not often you find a first issue that establishes a baseline then completely changes it, establishing a new baseline in the same issue. The comic book is beautiful to look at and if the story can continue to engage and surprise then this will be a big hit. So far, so good. This is worth giving a look. I recommend it.

Layman comes out of the gate flying. His style is very different from what you find in Chew, but he keeps a lot of his tricks intact. I found the dialogue to be every bit as bouncy as you would find in any issue of Chew. Couple that with the plot and story execution and artwork and you have a great start to a run that I have high hopes for.

Detective comics is building with each issue towards something special. This issue is another good read as it pushes along more of the plot and introduces an interesting threat for the next issue. This comic book is quickly becoming one of the more solid reads each month and it is becoming one of DC's strongest titles in their publishing list. I recommend checking this out.

Sixty pages of Batman for eight bucks isn't the best value in the world, but at least it was entertaining. Layman knows how to tell a good story and this issue is loaded with them. I'm not sure this was the big celebration I was expecting for the 900th issue and "900" mystery but I guess Layman will pick up the Emperor Penguin later on again. This was an entertaining and good read but nothing special.

Detective Comics has sort of been operating out on its own up to this point. Layman has been able to bring in a new villain to the mix, Emperor Penguin, while playing with an old one, Penguin. It's been fairly self-enclosed to this series. However, now we see a story that is bringing in a new character but building up a subplot involving a character that crosses into multiple Bat-books. This comic really is much more grounded to the greater DCU and it looks like Layman is digging in for the long haul. This is a good thing. I can't wait to see where Layman takes this comic.

Detective Comics is a great Batman book to pick up. It doesn't have the deep look at the character that you might find in Batman Incorporated or Batman. Instead the comic book is giving us the day-to-day Batman dealing with the regular problems that he faces in Gotham all the time. It's basically the Batman book to pick up if you like your Batman to stay away from the sprawling epics. It's a consistently good read.

Scarecrow is a good read. It's a professional effort from an old pro like Tomasi. There seems to be more he could have done with this issue but for a throwaway he does a good job of balancing the latest event with simply telling a self-contained story. This is one of the better 3D comics this month. You might want to check it out.

Detective Comics is a very consistent read under Layman and Fabok. The book provides a good ending to a good arc. The book allows room for future stories while bringing this one to a satisfactory conclusion. This is simply another good Batman story that will entertain and engage a reader and there is something to be said for that level of consistency in this market place.

Detective Comics #27 is a true celebration of the character and is definitely a great pick-up. You get ninety pages of story and there isn't a dud in the bunch. The long story from the main creative team feels slightly out of a place but the content of the story is of high quality. This is definitely something to check out.

Annuals are a tough sell. They cost more than regular issues for not a lot of content. They are typically throwaway type books that don't tie in to the regular stories in the series. And the comics typically aren't by the main creative team. However, this annual is an entertaining and one-and-done comic book and there is something to be said for that. I like the mystery in the comic and I liked the new villain in the comic, even if it is not terribly inventive, Layman writes the character with a new freshness to it. This is worth checking out if you are curious about Layman's Batman work.

"Devolution" is the latest flawed-future comic from Rick Remender. Life has returned to the days of cavemen except for a precious few that are fighting to survive and live by their own rules. The comic is a great start to the high concept, but does use heavy narration to explain the current state of things. The artwork is also good, but seems to be so heavily inked. Overall, this is a book to pick up and a series to keep your eye on. Remender has a history of ripping apart his characters and I suspect this comic will be no different.

Seekers of the Weird is probably a niche book. Fans of Disney and of the attractions might be curious enough to check this out but generally speaking those readers that like adventure and mystery but nothing over the top might find something to like here. I plan to check out the series to see where this is headed. This is a good start.

Django Unchained looks to be a real labor of love. This comic book series promises to be faithful to the original draft of the movie. If that is the case then I expect each issue to be very dense and very entertaining. I found this issue to be a very good comic book with a few flaws here and there. I recommend checking this out.

This is definitely an accessible issue as a one-shot. It's a profile piece but it attacks the most basic human emotions. If you have any interest at all in this series you may want to check out this issue to get a glimpse of the kind of stories this series is yielding on a consistent basis. I definitely recommend this issue.

To read this issue you might be confused as to how there could possibly be more to this series. I mean, everything gets leveled. Matty's character is completely broken down and the rebuilding begins here. Is there enough time left in this story to bring him back? Is he meant to be brought back? I recommend this issue because it makes for a very bleak character study as we see into the heart of the main one. This was a very good read.

DMZ begins its final year of stories and I am eager to see how it all ends. This issue gives some of the background of the very beginning. It's a somber read to watch a country become torn apart. However, it's only going to get worse once the fighting really starts. This was a good but not great read.

DMZ continues to be a good read. Wood is moving the pieces into place for an unpredictable ending. I recommend sitting down and reading this series if you haven't checked it out yet. I think if you are reading it then you know the quality and understand that this issue is one more step in building the tension for the grand finale.

DMZ is a comic book that doesn't deal with anything in a straightforward manner. Characters you like end up letting you down and assumptions you make end up being fake. Deals are made to save mass murderers in the hopes of saving lives down the road and yet still many, many characters die. The comic book is complex and very entertaining. I have no idea how this will all end but I can tell you that based on this issue I would say anything is possible.

Wood is closing out a long running series that has had a lot of terrible things occur in it. This issue doesn't dismiss any of it and it certainly doesn't clear one of the main players in the middle of it all. Roth may not have fought on either side of the war but he certainly had a hand in a lot of death and he takes the blame for it in this issue. This is a powerful comic book to read.

DMZ has been a very good series. Like a lot of long series, it has had some lulls in it. However, the ending is a clear reminder of how great this series was when it hit the right notes. This issue is one of those right notes. I can't recommend checking this issue out enough. It is one of the best issues I have read all year.

"Doctor Strange" launches with an average first offering. Strange is characterized too much like Tony Stark with his sarcasm and woman-chasing antics. The comic hatches an interesting plot near the end of the comic that might allow Strange to interact more with the commoner and use some detective skills along the way. The artwork doesn't do much to segment the radically different scene shifts in this comic book, but provides a decent look when dealing with Strange's day-to-day life. The comic book is worth a look if you want a character-driven story. If the characterization becomes more unique and the idea of magic coming at a price comes to the forefront then this book could be a winner. This title will be worth keeping track of down the road.

Arthur and Vampires seem to both be very niche genres. However, this book is simply a classic. The love story is excellent. The drama that builds until the ending is perfect. The match-ups are epic. The ending has plenty of heroics. And something that I love about stories is that the door is left open for more when the final curtain comes down. I've read this story several times and I find myself enjoying it more and more. This is something to pick up if you come across it sometime.

Dracula might be everyone's cup of tea, but if you are looking for some reason to break out of super hero comics then this is as good a starting point as you will find. I can't remember getting this jazzed up over a first issue book since Chew and that was a completely original idea whereas this is a property I thought I knew very well. Turns out I didn't and Brill is showing me the light in this unexplored tunnel. Find this book and see if drags into the same place. Fantastic comic book all around.

"Drax" starts out with a very solid first issue. Drax finds himself on a break from the Guardians and decides to embark on a quest to find and kill Thanos. This comic provides some action, good characterizations and launches the plot for the book. The artwork helps to round out the reading experience nicely. This series is off to a good start.

Drifter is a good start to a series. What the book does from here is anyone's guess but the first issue at least establishes a good core cast and a decent mystery. The book is backed up by stellar artwork and has few downsides to the comic book. This is a good book to check out if you are looking for something different on the racks these days.

Drumhellar is an odd book. It's a character book and that works well. However, this issue read too much like the opening to a trade collection and it drops too much of a mystery in the process. I'm not entirely sure what the book is about and that could be a problem. I'm in for another issue to see where this is headed.

I wish I could say if this book lives up to the game and/or novels but I don't know if it does or not. What I can tell you is this book is more of a caper than a sword and sorcery book. They aren't even really chasing an object as much as a person and general adventure. Perhaps there will be magic, dragons and swords down the road but this book is a suspenseful mystery and it was not was I was looking for sadly.

Ei8ht is a very solid read. With an easy to follow plot but put together like a puzzle, the book was a fun read. The characters have some grit to them and definitely leave an impression. The visuals are a match for the story and the universe it resides in. Overall, this is a comic that is worth picking up.

Elektra is a tough character to get behind. In some ways she is too much like Wolverine, she is too many things and master of none, but a really cool character nonetheless. This issue has the right idea for the first three quarters of the book. It provides a clunky, but effective information dump of the character's background. Then, it launches into a plot while providing motivation and an intriguing mystery. But then the book falls into an odd transition to another character that doesn't quite flow with the rest of the issue. The artwork is pitch perfect that is the big plus. If you aren't a fan of the character there probably isn't much in here to rope you into the series. However, it does read fairly well overall.

Elephantmen is beginning to ramp up to something big. This issue is a step in that process as the pieces are moved around. We have several characters who receive a good push in their profile as we begin to see how this might shape out. The series is excellent and its issues like this one that just proves the real strength is in the character development and not just the battles and the psychological warfare that the Elephantmen seem to carry in every day life. This is a very good comic book. Don't miss this issue.

Another stellar effort for the Elephantmen this month. If you pick up this issue I don't know how you could not continue based on the cliffhangers contained in this bad boy. The comic book is about to get really crazy and that's a good thing.

Another incredible issue of Elephantmen officially begins the next big arc. This issue is definitely a great jump on point for the new or returning reader. There is no question that this is the new science fiction benchmark that I measure all others against. And not to be missed is another backup story about Brickman (oh yes, Brickman). This arc feels like its going to be a game-changer and I'm extremely anxious to get on the Starkings-crazy train. I definitely recommend this issue, this series and any Elephantmen paraphernalia you can get your hands on.

Elephantmen is consistently one of the best reads out there every single issue. This issue takes a bit of a deep breath as it appears to be ready to explode very soon. I liked the new character introduced but want more of her. I also liked the expansion of Sahara and the complication thrown in there about what the SIMMs are capable of doing. Elephantmen continues to push the boundaries of the strange mixture of war, humanity and science fiction. I definitely recommend this comic book.

I feel like we've been waiting for things to really start to explode for a while now and this issue certainly delivers some action and blood to go along with it. I'm finding myself unraveling one strand of the mystery only to discover two more await me. I simply can't wait for the next issue. This issue and series are a fun romp down the science fiction lane. I definitely recommend this issue.

One thing that this issue seems to unfold is a setup to bigger things to come based on the next two issues teased in the back of this one. It made me go back and re-read this issue immediately to see if I missed some subtle hint as to what is coming. When a series has you clamoring that much for the next issue you know you have found a winner of a series. I definitely recommend this issue and this outstanding science fiction series.

This title is a lot like The Walking Dead in that there is never a bad issue. That also means the great issues need to be one of the very best the series has ever seen. This one pretty much cracks that plateau. I just can't imagine a reader picking up this issue for the first time and not wanting to pick up another one. This is an excellent read.

Elephantmen is a series that rewards the long time reader with tiny little reveals here and there but it also makes each issue extremely accessible to the new reader because of the recap page and the jumping around the timeline. You simply won't find a book that is as deep into science fiction but telling a noir crime story at the same time on the stands today. The book is filled with raw emotions and you may find yourself cheering for the Elephantmen just as easily as you might yourself damning them. While the women play the role of damsel in distress with an agenda that can't possibly be good for their men. This book is fantastic and I urge anyone to check it out.

Elephantmen has transformed into a full magazine with the back matter making the read a full one, much like Brubaker's Criminal comic book. The main story steals the show but the back matter reinforces and educates the reader on the source of the story. It all adds up to one of the best reads you'll find on the stands. Starkings continues to corner the market on science fiction and here he seems to be making his bid for the sorcerer genre as well. This is a "can't miss" book.

This comic book is science fiction at its best. It blends elements of horror, fantasy and replacing body parts into a comprehensive and extraordinary tale. This is a terrific book and shouldn't be missed.

I'm not sure I can recommend a series more than Elephantmen. Now that the book is back on schedule I find myself getting more impatient waiting on the next issue. However, when you throw an issue out there with Yvette and War Toys I can't help but curse Starkings for not bringing this character back sooner. War, science fiction, horror and strong character work, to me, makes for a must read comic book and that's what this one is.

Elephantmen has many faces to it. This particularly issue gets down to war and blood. There isn't anything subtle about the issue and Starkings makes sure no one is safe. The issue contains a very good back up that helps round out this issue. The series is excellent and whether you are looking for science fiction or war you have the mix right here. I highly recommend this book.

Elephantmen is a saga. Often issues call on events from months or years ago, which is really taxing on a reader's memory. On the other hand sometimes issues will make you have random questions that seem to be unrelated to the story as your brain tries to piece together the timeline and the flow of things. The only sure thing is that Starkings is not taking the reader on a wild goose chase. Can geese be Elephantmen? I definitely recommend checking out this series and issue.

This is a classic issue of Elephantmen. I can't recall a single issue that reveals this much information in such a shocking fashion. It's a brilliant book. Add in that this comic book includes backup stories, pinups and an extra-long main story and you have a ton of value for your money. I can't wait to see where this is all going. This is a terrific comic book.

With the backup story by Roshell, Bautista and Rouleau we get forty-four pages of comic for four bucks. You can't beat the price and you certainly can't beat the contents. Starkings is cementing his legendary status in this series with this epic issue. Science fiction, politics, drama and suspense fans shouldn't miss this comic.

Elephantmen seems to tell a story or answer one question and then open up two more. I want to know more about the creep in the hat now, as well as more about Kubec and which Elephantmen he took under his wing and what they know. The best books always leave you wanting more and this comic is a prime example. This is a terrific investment in your time and money.

A new beginning is definitely how I would bill this book. It doesn't erase anything that's come before but just puts one of the main characters in a different corner of the universe. If you love science-fiction mixed with some hard boiled characters and some strong character work then you should pick this up. I am pretty sure you are going to love what you find and I know the visuals and the story is going to entertain you. Come on in, the water's fine.

Starkings has created an amazing set of characters and an incredibly creative universe, but he can still bring the goods by just telling an old fashioned, interesting story as he does here. While I think this issue is geared towards the new reader, I don't think the long time reader is going to be disappointed. The character of Hip has been expanded in a big way with the last few issues and this is the cherry on top. If you are looking to get into this series then pick this issue up. I am fairly certain you will be hooked. This is well worth the price of admission.

I enjoyed this comic immensely. Rereading this run will be more interesting now knowing the complicated conclusion. It's not the Watchmen, but the comic is certainly something to pick up and read. It's got a lot in it for people looking for a blurry line between good and evil and for those looking for a story that doesn't just upset the status quo, but destroys it. I highly recommend this comic.

This comic has great potential and I liked what Ienco had to say at the end of the book. It seems like this series is going to be a lot about death which is nice to see a book live up to its name. If you like female assassins (with a cool twist at the end) then I definitely recommend picking up this book. I am interested to see where Ienco takes this story next and that is all you can ask for from a first issue.

Escape From New York is nearly thirty-five years old. Can there still be an audience for this movie to support a comic book? Based on the contents of the comic, it might not matter because this is an action packed issue that leaves the film behind immediately. It stands on its own, making it extremely reader friendly. I enjoyed this issue and definitely plan to check out the future issues.

The comic book is a great read and really has a fantastic pace to it. Obviously the cliffhanger is an attention grabber but all that came before is enough to jump on board with this series anyway. The comic book is on the way to becoming something special and I recommend getting in on the ground floor. This is your chance.

Evil Ernie is a series to watch. The character building, along with the artwork are strong points in this issue. If the story can take shape with a solid plot both long and short term in the next couple of issues then I think this series is looking at a very bright future. This is definitely a comic book worth looking at.

Planet of the Apes is generally thought of as a niche genre. I'm not sure I can convince a non-fan to pick this up, especially if they aren't some level of science fiction fan. However, this story definitely sets up like a politically driven prelude to war comic book. And I think anyone that likes these kinds of stories, regardless of their background in the Planet of the Apes universe, should give this issue a try.

This comic book opens the arc with a nice initial chapter to the crime drama. It's establishing the characters and providing a foundation for a good story and buildup. It doesn't have the crazy twists from the first series as we seem to be getting back to storytelling basics. It's a great opening comic and if you are into crime dramas, like Criminal, then this is definitely worth checking out. This is shaping up to be a very good mini series.

The second issue puts all of the main characters in difficult positions. It seems clear now that not everyone is going to live. However, some questions remain unanswered that will surely provide more twists in the comic issues. This series might have started off slowly but it has wasted no time in ramping up the story in the second issue. I definitely recommend this for the crime fans out there.

Existence throws virtually everything but the kitchen sink at you in this issue. Characters seem to die and don't. Characters switch allegiances and then double cross back. There are explosions and sword fights and plenty of other action. It all adds up to a very entertaining read. I enjoyed the comic book a lot and if you are looking for something in the crime-science fiction-drama-strange category then this is something to check out.

Extermination is probably an acquired taste. Luckily the character work is strong enough here that you don't have to be a science fiction or horror fan to enjoy the book. Sure this issue presents a lot of unanswered questions, but the set up is good enough to get me to return for a second issue. Priced at a buck, why wouldn't you give this a try?

"Extraordinary X-Men" is off to a very slow start. The comic focuses on rounding up X-Men veterans while peppering in rescue missions of newer characters. Storm leads the team and she gets a lot panel time in the comic but she isn't established in any unique way. The pencils are great in some sequences and lacking detail in others. The comic is priced at five dollars for thirty pages of story and it really isn't worth it. I would sit this out and wait to see if the story gets off the ground in any meaningful way.

It all comes down to expectations I suppose. I had heard so many positive things about the title book that I was probably expecting something that couldn't match those heights. However, I don't doubt that a fan of the Fables books won't absolutely love this book. I'm going to have to see where this goes but I found the opening issue to be just above average.

I am not sure the long term plans for this book. The "Outlaws" title seems to imply more than one mini-series and this one is only two issues so I doubt the second issue will resolve a whole lot. Hopefully the series will continue but as far as this issue goes it's a good comic book that is equal parts fun and unique. I highly recommend checking this comic out.

Now that we understand who is behind what will be the Fall of the Hulks and we seem to understand why they want to take them down it will make picking up the second issue of this event a little easier. When you consider some of the Hulk stories have felt so directionless over the last two years or so this was a breath of fresh air. I definitely recommend picking this up for someone interested in following this crossover, especially if you like Doctor Doom or some of the other villains as they portrayed flawlessly.

I realize this book is not going to be for everyone. It's got a snarky tone and it plays up on making fun of geeks. The characters could be facing any sort of disaster and still behave the exact same. They just so happen to be facing off with zombies. If you are looking for something fun to read and maybe laugh a little then I recommend checking this out. Plus, the issue is only a buck, so what do you have to lose? I know I am in for the long haul.

Fanboys and Zombies is the kind of comic book that takes you someplace familiar but adds a new twist. I like the premise and the characters and the story behind some of them definitely makes the book feel that much more unique. I believe there is only one issue left in this arc and I know I am ready for it and what this title holds beyond it. I definitely recommend checking this book out.

FvZ ends with some death, which was expected but still a little disappointing. I found myself getting attached to these characters. However, the ending is a terrific cliffhanger to get the story into the next arc, which looks to be bigger in scope. I think this title has its place among the more energetic reads I pick up month to month and I look forward to the next issue to see where it is all heading. I recommend checking this out.

The only downer with this issue was the fact that the plastic was impossible to open. It was as if Mr. Fantastic himself wrapped around the issue. That aside I enjoyed the contents so much that I will most likely stick with the series (and relaunch) beyond this issue. This entire arc has been a fun story and if you couple that with the great things I've heard about Hickman's run in general I'd say this is an issue you don't want to miss from a creator who is at the top of his game.

Overall, I was entertained with the issue. However, because of the price tag I was a little put off that this issue seemed like a turning point in the larger story and not an ending (and certainly not a beginning). This issue is by no means a waste of money, such as the Point One issue was, but the book is going to cater to those that have read the Hickman run all along, which I am not. This might be the rare anniversary issue that actually matters in the storyline in recent times. If you are curious and you have the cash I think you will be entertained with what you find and you may even track down the previous issues and continue to read on.

The Fantastic Four is a book that has seen some epic runs, two notable ones in the last 10 years. This issue shows that the book is returning to basics but is setting up something epic. The issue is a great point for a new reader to jump on. There aren't a lot of references to previous issues but there is some nice backstory. The book has some action and has some nice character defining moments for a reader to get comfortable getting to know them. This is a comic to pick up.

I wanted to love this book. Fantomex is a great character and Remender put new life in him during Uncanny X-Force but this first issue isn't what I was looking for. Hopefully the plot will carry the rest of this series in a better direction. You might want to give this book a try.

"Faster Than Light" brings horror to science fiction. The first issue builds up the plot, introduces the characters and sets the stage for what looks to be an exciting series. The initial issue is a slower read as the plot is put together with a lot of characters and with careful placing of dialogue. This is a good beginning to what appears to be a series worth watching.

Fatale has the makings a truly great horror comic book. Fans of Criminal may be a little hesitant that the noir style isn't conducive to horror but up to this point he noir elements are driving the story and the horror aspect is sitting in the background. I am excited to see where this is all going.

Fatale is a great book. This particular issue is a perfect example of what this series is about. This issue has a stranger essay in the back than normal, but it still rounds out a great magazine-like package. If you like horror stories, western and femme fatales then you should give this book a try. At the very least you get an intelligently written and beautifully drawn book. Give it a shot.

Fatale is a great series. Not every issue reads individually great as they are all a part of a larger tapestry. However, this issue is simply pulse-pounding. The book is eerie and evil. The comic book leaves the reader feeling exhausted emotionally after completing this book because of the torture that Brubaker drags his cast through. Even if you aren't reading this series or aren't up on this particular arc I urge you to check this out if you like good old fashioned thrillers.

Fear Agent is an excellent science fiction comic book. It's different from Elephantmen because it really doesn't try to ground anything in a realistic setting. It keeps you guessing because you never know when at a given moment a character's head will explode or tear off their skin to reveal they are an alien in a human suit. The comic book is outstanding if you are into this genre at all. This looks like the beginning to a terrific arc.

Fear Agent is racing towards a conclusion and I have no idea, none, of how this series will be ending. I was thrilled with the first issue and this issue tops it. I'm not sure what else this series could possibly come up with next but I'll be there for sure.

Heath is about to go to war. This issue is the big setup to the finale and a final punch in the gut as we all learn just who's been pulling the strings along the way. It's an amazingly structured story. Add in that you get a terrific backup story about Heath by Barta and Buniak and you have excellent bang for your buck. I definitely recommend this issue and this series.

Fear Agent is a series that probably won't be remembered as the best science fiction work or even the best Remender work. However, for me this series clicked each and every issue. I found the character to be fascinating, right down to the end. I definitely recommend picking up this series and reading it. When you get to this last issue I think you will find as I did that Remender had a fitting ending in mind that he was setting up all along. This is an excellent book.

The question is: are you ready for another event? If you are then this one seems to be taking things in a different direction than Secret Invasion or Civil War and it seems to have a solid handle on the story elements. If you are lukewarm to the idea then I am not sure this issue will be enough to ramp you up. I didn't come away sold on the Thor mythos and since this story is heavy on this arena I am thinking this just isn't the "event" for me. I do give Marvel props for making this issue oversized and not padding it with reprints. I would think if you are a fan of Thor or the Avengers then you will be thrilled with this issue.

Five Ghosts originally was kickstarter funded but it is now in print. Whether you've read this or not I believe the paper copy is something to check out. It's a good story with good character work and looks fantastic. Action, suspense, science fiction and little bit of espionage makes for a great comic package. Check it out.

Flash Gordon is the kind of series that should be equal parts strong characters, science fiction and plenty of action. This opening issue dabbles in all of those areas but they aren't strong enough to lure me in for a second issue. If you are fan of Parker but haven't gotten into Flash Gordon before then this series might be something to check out. I'm not sure the long time Flash Gordon fan is going to find what they are looking for in here though.

Dynamite has a tendency to tell very slow stories. This appears to be of a similar style as Flash and company don't officially land on Mongo in this issue. I'm willing to give the second issue a try, mostly on the strength of the final page's twist. For a dollar you should give this book a shot because you might enjoy this take on the Flash Gordon story. I found the book to be a fairly average comic, though.

Fly is actually a comic book that is different from many of the others on the market. The super powered aspect of the book is a façade behind the real life problem of drug addiction. This issue presents three interesting characters with a good story hook and terrific artwork. This is a good first issue and I know I am looking forward to the second one. This is definitely worth checking out.

Fly is shaping up to be a good story. It's not just a paint-by-numbers story where regular people stumble into getting powers. There are a couple of threads here that will presumably dovetail into a great story. I know I will be there for the next issue.

Forever Evil seems to rely heavily on previous stories. If you like your DCU then this is probably right in your wheelhouse. The comic book is a nice opening chapter to something that might be promising. As an individual comic it is not a satisfying read and definitely leaves a lot to be desired. As a casual reader I'm not sure I can pick up another issue though.

Batman against Bane seems like something we might see a lot, but that probably isn't really the case. This is a good one-shot to pick up and check out if you like a good fight. I can't say the book is anything above average or even memorable but it does provide a level of entertainment. Proceed with caution the four dollar book.

I think this mini-series has potential. The opening issue doesn't instill a lot of confidence to follow it for another five issues though. I like the characterization and motivation of Bane but not a whole lot else. Hopefully Tomasi will put it all together in the next issue. This one is a leap of faith.

This is a series worthy checking out, as it seems like the kind of story that could take off out of nowhere. I enjoyed the first issue and its not because I identify with teenagers, but I like that the story makes me pay attention and hides pieces of the story within things like tweets and by telling the story backwards. This is a fun comic book to pick up. I definitely recommend it.

Overall this is a very good first issue. We get some plot, character introductions and a decent story. Needless to say, this book is just not going to be everyone's cup of tea, mostly because it is not a super-hero book at all. However, Lemire writes a good story and when you allow creators room to stretch out like this the results are usually favorable. I like the long-term prospects for this book. I recommend picking this up and I think this could be a classic series in the making.

Fury MAX may not be the greatest of Garth Ennis books but it sure is fun to see him play with these characters in new ways. This book has had slow moments but it really hits its stride in this issue. I enjoyed this book tremendously.

"Future Imperfect" is a comic book that caters to the long-time Hulk fan. There really isn't a strong tie to Secret Wars and there isn't a ton of characters that overlap with the regular Marvel Universe (however that could change). The comic has a decent enough story that sets up the identities of the main players but doesn't really explore any of their personalities. The artwork has a lot of odd facial expressions but provides a couple of nice splash pages. Generally this is a decent comic book that is worth a look through.

"Future Imperfect" takes an old story, dusts off the characters and tosses them into "Secret Wars." The comic book manages to become relevant to the crossover as the plot to kill Doom brings Doom into this issue. While this comic book is mostly action, the book manages to throw in some good storytelling as Rick Jones takes some verbal shots at the Maestro and David throws in a surprise at the end. Overall, I enjoyed this series and the ending a lot. I definitely recommend it for fans of the original series and for "Secret Wars" fans that are looking for something that ties into Doom a little more closely.

As a package, this book has two, fourteen page stories for $4. It's a good value for the stories within. I'm not sure this book was going to ever be in everyone's wheelhouse, but I do think a lot of people will be pleasantly surprised at what they find. You get an all-out, action, science fiction, army story on one side and you get a tragic, revenge-driven, complex character, army story on the other. Pick it up and give it a shot.

As GI Joe continues through the discovery of Cobra the stories get more and more tense but when I look back at this issue there just isn't anything that happens that's memorable. In a recap box I'm not even sure this issue would warrant a sentence that wasn't already in there from the previous issues. That generally isn't a good thing. For the most part it's a good comic with some action and some nice artwork but there just isn't enough in here to jazz anyone up unless they are collecting the series already.

As a whole this issue isn't that good. It could have been awesome. Instead it makes me question how long I can keep paying $4 an issue for a story that seems to be going nowhere I care about. I just want some action already.

I'm sure the ending might get some eye-rolling from the long time fans but I found it to be very good. I like that the first four issues are doing something instantly with these characters even if it seems like this has already been done before. For me, GI Joe should be adventurous, colorful and entertaining and this issue fills that quota and then some. I definitely see this book hitting its stride now and I'm finding myself highly anticipating the next installment. I recommend jumping on board.

GI Joe is a tough franchise to find something new to cover. Over thirty years the stories have run the full array. IDW continues to try to set the Joes in a real world setting but the cornerstones that made this franchise appealing are action, characters and ninjas. You can wrap the politics around those cornerstones but when you lack them you have to wonder why this is a GI Joe comic book. We'll see where this is all heading. Not a great start but there are some items in here that have potential.

I'm not thrilled with the four dollar price tag but if the series continues with this high of a quality of story then I will plunk down that amount for it (one of the few series I would consider paying four bucks for). To me, GI Joe is action, surprises, strategy and military espionage. This comic book has it all and I can't imagine the long time fan being disappointed with it. I definitely recommend the issue.

The comic book has some elements that could potentially make this issue and series great. The series has definitely grown in a good direction since the Marvel days. However, turning Cobra Commander into something that can't be taken seriously is not a good thing. This issue is a good one and depending on how you like your GI Joe stories you may love it. Either way I think if you followed the old Marvel series you should pick this up and give it a look.

I've focused a lot on what I didn't like about the issue but those are really just what are keeping the comic book from being great. I like exciting and loud GI Joe comics and this is definitely one. Great artwork helps keep the story fluid and we have that here to be sure. If only there was a way to launch into the action while keeping the level of suspense of a military buildup high, this could be an amazing re-examination of the original series. I just hope Hama makes Cobra Commander more ruthless and less of a joke in the future.

I like the series. It's grown since the Marvel days in a good way. I do wish Cobra Commander or someone in Cobra could be a sinister villain but we'll see. Hama offers a good story and proves he knows the character's strengths better than any other writer. I definitely recommend picking this book up.

On the whole this is a good issue of what has been a very good series so far. The story moves quickly and we get a good isolation on a couple of the key characters. The cliffhanger promises another great issue coming out next month. It appears the long term health of this series is getting more and more firmly planted. I enjoyed this issue.

Overall, this comic is basically like any other in the previous forty-five. There's some cool action in it, some cool artwork and no plot gets completely resolved, it just follows right into the next. To take advantage of the anniversary issue IDW would have been better served putting together something truly special and different. It's an enjoyable read. It's simply not a special one.

Godzilla is a niche genre. The reader is probably going to love it because they already love the title character or monsters in general. On the other hand, the book is a tough sell if it is written just from the human aspect of the story and might not be a fast enough book for the diehard fans. This issue strikes a balance but still leans more towards characters instead of plot. It will be interesting to see how this proceeds and if it can balance monster action, character work and plot. This is a good start.

"Godzilla In Hell" serves up a silent issue. Godzilla finds a creature to fight shortly after arriving in Hell. The comic doesn't provide too many details in the hows and whys but the battle is definitely something that is enjoyable. Stokoe provides some nice detailed pencil work and a decent, but limited color scheme. Rather than a lot of close-ups, we seem to get a bunch of distance shots that prevents the details from shining through. The comic is a decent read but nothing memorable. Give it a shot.

The first issue was a fairly fast read. There isn't a curveball until the very end as the issue serves as a set up more than anything else. At least Layman gives you a taste of what to expect from Godzilla and that's a good thing. This series has the potential to be great and the first issue is only the tip of the iceberg.

Godzilla is a niche genre. The basics of the book are that monsters destroy stuff, preferable Tokyo. Layman gives his spin with a unique story backed up by tremendous visuals. Overall, I was looking for a little more monster on monster action (I mean I would have settled for one panel of Godzilla biting Rodan) but this issue provides some level of excitement. I liked the character work done in the issue and I think things are set up nicely for another round. Hopefully there is one in the works. I enjoyed the issue and I think any fan of the genre or of monsters or science fiction in general would like this issue and series. I recommend checking this book out.

Godzilla isn't for everyone and I understand that. However, if you a comic book fan and are looking for something a little out of the ordinary then I urge you to pick this book up. Someday down the line Stokoe's books are going to carry a tremendous weight with them and it's always best to get in on that at the ground floor. Plus, who doesn't want to see some destruction for twenty pages?

Godzilla is a niche kind of story. I'm not sure how many would find a story about the loser of the Godzilla universe to be appealing but I thought it was great. This is a perfect example of what a comic book can achieve in a single, confined story. This is worth taking a look at.

Rodan is a one of the more popular creatures from the Godzilla stable. This book tells a good story about the creature and what the creature stands for. As most of the best Godzilla stories do, this book manages to illustrate that the monsters are not always as monstrous as the humans that they interact with. This is a good book to pick up and enjoy something different from the norm. I definitely loving this Legends series.

Godzilla books are definitely a niche genre. I get that. However, if you are looking to check out one then this is it. You might find it mindless. You might find it to be predictable. However, you will be entertained and you may also be inclined to pick up the next issue. Which is exactly what I plan to do.

Gotham By Midnight could be a book set in any city and still provide the same punch. The addition of Batman was unnecessary but I suspect this comic will stand on its own soon enough. If you like detective stories into the supernatural realm then this is the book for you. If you love creepy artwork then you get your money's worth with this presentation. I definitely recommend checking this comic book out.

"18 Days" could very well turn into an epic. This issue really sets up why the two sides are fighting and the moments before the battle begins. Priced at a dollar this comic book is a no-brainer for everyone. The Grant Morrison fans might feel disappointed as this is more of Morrison re-telling a story instead of really putting his stamp on it. This is a recommended comic book.

Grayson is a book that should be a smash hit. Nightwing as a spy sounds incredible. This first issue gives a good introduction to the character. It read like a one-shot, which is a good thing. It also gives great artwork. I'm not sold on the use of the supporting characters or of the usage of super powers. This book could turn out to be a complete winner but the opening issue is a bit subdued. We'll see. This is worth picking up though.

This comic book is more than a gimmick or a cool cover. It's ambitious storytelling. With that comes a high price for a misstep. I read this book three times before deciding if I loved it or hated it. Just remember to reread the comic and always use the Cluemaster's code. You might find this comic to be brilliant. I think if they had one more page or spent a little more time explaining the change of heart Grayson has with regards to killing then this comic would be near perfect.

This is a comic book that probably shouldn't be missed by anyone. Regardless of if you have following the Blackest Night event or not, this comic has a lot to offer any reader. After reading this you can see how more of the Blackest Night story is going to shake out but what will happen to the status quo when it ends? I can't imagine a better comic book than this one. The Blackest Night mini series might not be living up to the hype yet, but don't let that turn off from this series.

The war of light reaches a truce in this issue. However, this comic really shows that these seven core characters aren't really getting along all that well. How long will it be before they start fighting again? Regardless, this comic pulls off the impossible and manages to strip away the blind rage of Atrocitus and make him become something more. This is a good comic book.

Green Lantern returns to one of my favorite characters in this issue as Parallax gets dusted off. The comic book makes great use of many of the new deputies, but leaves something to be desired about some of the subplots that just seem to get a random panel here or there. The artwork blows the story's doors off starting with the awesome cover. Overall, this is a great comic for an anniversary issue, the series and the event. I definitely recommend this comic.

This was a good comic book. The main problem is that the book feels like a one-and-done story when it's really part of the Blackest Night storyline. Or is it? I'm not really sure because I wasn't sure how Spectre was or wasn't a Black Lantern in the first place. The comic has a lot of action, snarky dialogue and great art, so there are some good qualities to it. However, this issue just doesn't stack up with previous ones in this arc.

The plus side of this issue is it has a lot of action and tells some interesting tidbits about Ion, etc. The downside of the issue is that it does nothing with Sinestro and makes the issue inessential for the overall story, which is kind of sad. Some will find this issue to be a lot of fun with all of the action, others will find it to be filler. This isn't a terrible comic book but it leaves much to be desired for me.

While the issue may seem like nothing really "happens" in it the execution is very good. The arc is definitely moving at a snail's pace but how can you not like an issue with Lobo and a good fight? This was a fun read with a couple of surprises at the end of the main story and a great origin story in the back. You can't go wrong with this issue.

Green Lantern continues to be a consistent read. While the story seems to be coming together at a snail's pace, the individual issues provide enough action, excellent artwork and characters to keep things interesting until the big "thing" happens. I liked the issue and recommend it.

When the Sinestro Corps War kicked off with a one-shot it grabbed my attention and raised my expectations for every subsequent major arc (especially Green Lantern related). This issue doesn't come close to that level of "wow" but it at least brings readers up to speed and makes sure that everyone knows all about Krona and what a bad boy he's been. I can't say if this arc will be great, good or just blah but this first issue at least makes me eager for the next one so that's something.

The War of the Green Lanterns is shaping up to be a three-sided war. The Green Lanterns from Earth seem to be hunted by Krona and his crew as well as the faction that splinters off from these two issues. The crossover is showing a lot of promise and I am enjoying it more than Blackest Night in the early going. There is a lot to like here and I am finding the presentation to be fairly straight forward even for a newcomer to Green Lantern. These issues are worth checking out but there does seem to be more meat to the plot in the Green Lantern title over the Green Lantern Corps one. I definitely recommend these two issues.

These issues are fun but present the same problem that many crossovers seem to have of late: they are too long. So far we have had six issues (with the prologue) and based on what I can tell that's two too many. It's not even a case of story decompression as much as it seems to be simply stalling. The books are quick reads and they do provide enough entertainment for your money and they definitely leave you wanting more based on the final pages. I think any fan of the characters or genre won't be disappointed. Any newcomers get enough of a recap that they should be okay following along in the story but I'm not sure there is enough here to get them going. These are average to good but not great.

This comic is definitely entertaining no doubt about it. Johns tells a very fun origin story that has some suspense and a little bit uniqueness to it. As such, it's a great jumping on point even though it seems to end abruptly. Then again, this gives the reader to come back next time. This is worth a look.

Overall, Green Lantern feels revived. I have a renewed sense of excitement with this title, especially after the cliffhanger and I can't imagine a new reader feeling any differently. If you are looking for something out of the "new 52" to pick up I think this is a great one to take a look at.

Green Lantern has been a slow book since the conclusion of Blackest Night (which was a while ago). However, I hold out hope that when this book picks up again it will be at the top of the read list whenever it ships. This story is okay in parts but doesn't really push across anything terribly interesting except that Sinestro gives Hal a ring of his own. As always this issue is going to cater towards fans of the character and the creator(s) but the newer reader will probably be lost.

If you like snappy dialogue then this issue is for you. I am sure things will pick up next issue based on the crazy ending here. For the most part this is a serviceable issue but doesn't contain too much plot movement. I mildly recommend checking this out.

Mahnke is a terrific artists and he plays up the fighting and the grand entrances to perfection. Visually, the book is very entertaining and has a great depiction of Carol. It's got some images in there that are poster worthy.

This book is too slow and is not making a whole lot of sense, as a single issue or the general direction of the storylines. It seems like the book's direction is to play fish-out-of-water stories with Hal and Sinestro wearing different rings where they take turns rescuing each other. At least the book reads quickly, even if not advancing the story much at all, to give the appearance of being exciting. This is a disappointing comic book.

Green Lantern can be such a fantastic read. However, Johns slows down arcs too much and assumes the reader has read all of his books and retains it all. This issue is different because Johns introduces a threat to the heroes and deals with it in a satisfactory way in this comic book. I found this to be a good read.

Green Lantern is a serviceable comic book. Each issue I find to be entertaining. There isn't anything in here terribly original, but there is a certain level of comfort when a comic book delivers something expected. I'm not a fan of the slow subplots, but I am glad to see the new Green Lantern getting a little bit of personality to warm up to. This was an entertaining, but just an above average read.

Why DC pasted the Rise of the Third Army banner on this book is beyond me. This issue barely mentions it and this arc has been an origin for a new character. Be that as it may the new character is a copy of several others characters rolled into one. It remains to be seen if he has any sticking power. This issue concludes his origin and Johns delivers an entertaining but average story.

Johns has a great idea for his final Green Lantern arc with the first Green Lantern concept. The issue is packed with non-essential subplots but that doesn't take away from the solid overall plot. This is a very average comic book. Hopefully the story threads will dovetail in future issues.

Green Lantern is a book at the crossroads. It's struggling to tell fast paced and memorable stories but it teases a big ending to Johns run on the title with epic banners. I'm not sure when, if or how this book is going to pick up again, but judging this particular issue you have a very average and forgettable comic book.

If you haven't read Green Lantern by Geoff Johns then I ask you check this out. If you read this and aren't jazzed up to try a trade from the back catalogue then you can honestly say this isn't for you. This is a fun read and it doesn't require a lot of continuity knowledge. Plus, the book has a lot of send-off quotes for Johns plus a letter from Johns about his run. It's a great cherry on top for this run. It's an unforgettable run that has literally expanded five fold since it began. I can't wait to back to the beginning and re-read the whole run again.

I expect to see a drop off in quality with the departure of Johns, but this is too much. I can't see sticking with this title much longer with issues like this one. I wasn't a fan of Hal's Earth life but cutting off Carol after all the growth just doesn't make any sense. And axing the guardians so quickly is a really odd first issue choice. The battle and the prospect of a new villain leaves me hopeful that the next issue improves.

This book is a fun read. I found the setup for the coming crossover to be intriguing while the action and plot within the issue to be entertaining. I have to admit I wasn't a fan of the fact that I wasn't pointed towards what to read next. Instead, DC simply showed the four books (and four issues for each) that this event launches into. That's not exactly a straightforward direction as to what comes next. Despite that oddity, this is a great comic and I have high hopes for the comic storyline. I definitely recommend checking this out.

It's a toss up as to which issue of this entire event has been my favorite. It's either this issue or the previous issue of Green Lantern, but I am leaning towards this issue. This comic manages to have a giant battle while developing the key members of the corps and giving the zombies ample opportunity to talk trash. What more could you ask for? This is a terrific comic book.

This issue, paired with the previous one, makes for a good one-two punch, but this issue on its own merit leaves too many oddities to raise it above the level of ‘good'. It's an entertaining and delivers its part in the long line of this series' overall terrific storytelling.

If you like Guy Gardner then this is a good issue for you. However, between the flat dialogue and the head-scratching diversion from the main story, this story isn't on the level of previous installments from this series. The art helps prop this one up but ultimately this is not an essential issue and really has little to do with Blackest Night and very little to do with the war of light.

This comic book wouldn't have been so terrible if it weren't supposed to be the big bang before the ending of the event. Instead it literally feels like this book's purpose was to stall. I just can't believe this is the best effort from Tomasi who has mastered this title over the last two years. I really believe the creators involved with Blackest Night had about five months of story and were asked to stretch it to nine. If you like battles with little point and no story for thirty, pretty pages then this is for you.

I enjoyed this issue and I was definitely hesitant coming into it. As you might expect with the opening to any arc, the story is just getting started. I found the issue to be entertaining and it makes me think the future for the title is as bright as ever.

This is a good issue and a nice arc. It's not Blackest Night and it isn't pretending to be. The biggest development out of this arc is the new status quo for the Alpha Lanterns. The characters are played to their strengths and are put into positions where they get used in ways you would expect. It's a good issue and if you have no prior exposure to the Alpha Lanterns then you probably won't care that the concept seems to have run its course and been re-imaged in this issue. I liked the issue as it goes back to good, old-fashioned super hero storytelling.

I'm not sure where this title is going but it seems like the kinks are still being worked out. It's nice to see the book branch out into new directions but I would also like to see all of the characters get used in new situations that don't cover ground we've seen before. It just seems like the book isn't quite sure what it wants to do with itself. Not a bad read but nothing to rush out to buy either.

You can't go wrong with this issue if you like fighting. However, the comic really contains no plot or, at times, direction. If The Weaponer simply wants revenge then why wouldn't he just have gone off and hunted Sinestro? Why haven't the people of the planet tried to get help to rid themselves of The Weaponer in the past? I never felt like questions like this were addressed. Instead the issue just seems like a convenient way to get a lot of people to fight. To be blunt, this arc should have been three issues (or maybe even only two) instead of five. But since the build up of Blackest Night, this has been the direction of the Green Lantern books and it's a shame.

Green Lantern Corps has been a solid read for a long, long time. This book simply should have ended with issue 62. It seems like this book had some ideas but they weren't shaped into a cohesive story. Was it a rush job? Perhaps but either way this is a skip-able book.

I can't imagine a new reader being impressed by this book. On the other hand, as a long time reader I thought the issue brought about an interesting new threat. It's too bad I have to judge the book off being a launch and as a launch I found it to be a mess.

This issue has a lot going for it. Tomasi has excellent command of the cast and the character of Guy Gardner has been long overdue for an ongoing. The book is using major supporting characters from previous mega arcs. The comic seems to have a very good story to tell right off the bat. The only negatives are that the cover charge is $4 and that it seems like the book might be taking more of a slow burn approach which may seem to go against its lead character's norm. This was a decent start though and there is certainly a lot to like in here.

Green Lantern Warriors is a fun one and done story that loops in some new characters and leverages Guy and his attitude towards the Guardians to the max. Overall, the story is a terrific example of how to make the most of a twenty-page story when it isn't part of an arc. If you are looking for a good read with no strings attached then this is one you should pick up.

Batman and Guy Gardner help to put a smile on the reader's face for the series finale. The story doesn't add up to much but the characterizations and the interactions are done well enough to provide some entertainment. This is a book that can be missed but if you pick it up you will enjoy it.

As a long time Green Lantern fan (specifically a Kyle Rayner one) I found this issue to miss on all accounts. If it were just a number one aimed at new readers I would be able to relate and hang with it. However, when looking at the book through new reader's eyes you have so many missteps. The book doesn't even establish that the first pages are set in the past. The comic book is ugly on many levels. I needed to walk away understanding the need for this book and I didn't get that at all. This one is can be skipped.

"Green Lantern: The Lost Army" is off to a good start. If you like adventure stories that take characters into unexpected scenarios then this is the comic book for you. The cast of characters is not terribly interesting but some of the groundwork is put down for John Stewart. The comic is backed up with some nice artwork to round out the reading experience. One of the nice aspects of this book seems to be that it will be a self-contained comic that stays away from events and crossovers. I recommend giving this comic a shot.

Groot is not for everyone. The comic book isn't part of Secret Wars, it doesn't have drama and it isn't trying to world build anything. The comic is mostly about Groot and his buddy Rocket Raccoon as they travel through space. The book is as character driven as they come and it turns out the pair is as charming a duo as you are likely to find in comics. This comic is definitely worth picking up.

"Groot" is a very good read. It brings in Silver Surfer and his partner, Dawn, into the fold for this issue. This comic book showcases the character's personalities and provides a good one-shot, team-up story. The book has great visuals to capture the essence of what makes Groot, Surfer and Dawn a great set of characters. This comic is a fun ride and is worth checking out.

Groot is a story about a bond between friends. The comic book is a humor book but it is not done in an over-the-top way that you might expect from Deadpool. Instead the book has sweetness to it as Groot's innocence mixes so well with the cranky Rocket Raccoon. The comic has a simple rescue plot at work but the execution of the book is fantastic as Rocket narrates his feelings on Groot as Groot goes through the steps to round up a team and attempt his rescue of Rocket. The comic book is a fantastic read and may be the most charming comic book I've read all year. I highly recommend picking this up.

This crossover could be a lot of fun. The opening issue covers a lot of ground and includes a ton of characters. Not being attached to any particular depiction I can't say if the characters are within themselves in this issue but they seemed to be. Generally a decent start to this crossover. It won't be for everyone and if you are curious and don't mind dropping five bucks for thirty pages then gives this issue a try.

The second issue of the big crossover feels like filler. There aren't any mistakes, missteps or plot holes. Just not much happens in it. The argument over what to do with the Vortex could have been wrapped up in three pages and revisited as needed down the line. To have this focus of the entire issue makes me concerned about picking up future issues in the crossover. It's a decent enough read but nothing really happens in it. There are too many other comics out there to read than to spend time on ones that seem like filler.

Hacktivist has the potential to be great. The first issue rolls out a couple of interesting characters. They could end up being cookie-cutter characters, but they could also be something special. The opening issue feels a little disjointed but at least we get a good idea of what the plot elements will be for this mini-series. The pieces are in place and hopefully this mini-series will pull it all together before it's done.

Happy is a noir, loose cannon, grim cop story with a bit of revenge as part of the plot. I really don't know if there are more, blue, talking horse-like elements on the way but the noir piece is pretty well done. This is a good set-up issue for what looks to be a violent, but quirky series. I recommend checking this out.

This issue sets up what looks to be a very compelling ending to this mini-series. Morrison manages to drag the main character all the way down to the bottom of his limits while providing the reader with glimpses of what brought him there over the years. This issue is quite a ride, regardless of whether or not you have read the previous two in this mini-series. This was a very good comic book.

This comic book doesn't give you much to go on for the long term. Is Quinn going to be an evil villain? Will the character take more of a bad-girl heroine turn? Will the book play towards comedy or drama? Is the answer somewhere in the middle of everything? This comic book doesn't give you much of a hint, but what it does give you is a who's who of artwork with some funny one-liners here and there that are sure to bring a smile to your face. It's a comic book and it is entertaining. What more else are you looking for?

Harley Quinn is off to a great start. The comic book uses strong focus on the lead character to introduce her and set up her everyday life. It might sound boring but the execution is strong enough that it not only carries the comic but it is the driver of making it a comic book built around a character and not a plot. This is definitely something to seek out and pick up.

Harley Quinn isn't a villain book. It's a character book where the lead happens to be the former girlfriend of the Joker. She will kill when necessary but for the most part she's just trying to make her way through life. It's a good one-shot to pick up and get an idea of what the character is all about. If you are looking for something fun to read with a touch of violence then this is one to check out.

This issue of Harley Quinn is a fun read. It's a throwaway book in terms of continuity but you probably won't regret picking it up if you do. This is another high quality issue in what is proving to be a consistently entertaining series. You will probably catch yourself smiling once or twice as you read the comic.

This book has action, suspense, some conflict and the dead returning to life. It's a good comic book and this is a good first chapter. There isn't anything in here to make the book groundbreaking or unforgettable but the reader will probably get a strong inkling as to whether or not this is their cup of tea. I liked the book and urge anyone looking for something a little different to pick it up and give it a try.

Hell Yeah is just another example of a well-crafted story backed up by terrific art. The comic book is thirty-two pages of story for $3, so it's a real bargain in this day and age. I think if you like super hero comics, mysteries, science fiction or character driven stories then you won't be disappointed. I definitely recommend checking this out.

Hell Yeah is still setting up the story. This issue adds more mystery but also provides a couple of plot threads to follow. I'm not sure if this book is going to end up more science fiction or super hero or mystery when it's all said and done. Whatever the outcome, I like the developing story here and I think the characters are interesting enough to keep me coming back for more. I recommend checking this out.

Hellboy is a fantastic character with a rich trove of stores. While the main title seems to be on endless hiatus, this will help fill the gap. If you ever wondered about the early Hellboy missions or are just looking to get into the character then this is a great start. I have no doubt the coming issues will be on par with many of the other classics of the character. Give this comic a try.

If you read this book then you probably already know that there isn't a sensible ending to the issue. This shouldn't alarm a new reader as Hellboy books typically leave several mysteries and questions beyond in each issue. The book is a great introduction to the current storyline while giving the reader enough background to keep up with the story. It's nice to have Hellboy back.

Hellboy may not be everyone's cup of tea. However, for those that enjoy a good horror comic with some humor and a touch of Indiana Jones-like adventure and mystery should check this out. The seasoned Hellboy fan is going to be thrilled with this issue. I can't stress this enough, this book is an instant classic.

"Hellboy" closes out the short arc with a revealing issue. This one provides a recap of some of his past and adds some interesting family pieces to the puzzle, but also reveals a few more questions. The comic has action and terrific artwork to help pace the book nicely. Unfortunately the wait now begins for the next installment in the series and it appears it will be a while. However, this issue was worth picking up and was definitely an entertaining read.

Long time fans will appreciate this comic book and, more importantly, a new reader could pick this up and run with it. This is a terrific one-shot that captures much of what the greater Hellboy persona is all about. Vampires, wrestlers, fighting, wrestling, some gut-wrenching twists and a couple of laughs. What's not to like?

There is no jumping on point with Hellboy because his story is told out of order as it is. This issue is definitely one that anyone can pick up and read and enjoy. They may not get the best spotlight on Hellboy but you will definitely come away getting a great feel for what his world is like and the kind of guy he is in terms of humanity. This is simply an excellent read and worth the cover charge.

Hellboy one shots are generally the kind of books that are good to great no matter what the contents contain. The character just lends itself towards stories that can be set anywhere at any point in time and still be enjoyable. This one walks one of the oddest lines to date. If you are looking to dip you toe into the Hellboy universe then this should give you an entertaining read. For those that aren't thrilled with Hellboy interacting with aliens…well…this one might make you cringe. Either way it's a solid book.

Hellboy fighting for England where the world seems to be at stake as well is a pretty good hook for a story. Throw in a girlfriend, King Arthur, Excalibur and Nimue and you have the makings of something great. This arc marks what is sure to be the end of that story. If you haven't jumped onto the Hellboy bandwagon yet then this is your chance. I definitely recommend this comic book.

The down side of the issue is the ending. Hellboy doesn't make it out of the fight unscathed. However, it just isn't entirely clear if he gives up or if his sword runs out of power or if Nimue is just that more powerful. I'm not really knocking the ending, I actually liked it, but I don't quite understand the events that I observed. I've read the issue a few times and I come to several different conclusions. Also, I am not really certain what Mab's role in all of this actually was. Again, more questions than answers left me a little empty at the end.

Hellboy has his hands full for the next two issues. I'm sure there are more surprises on their way but this issue had a few I didn't see coming. Hellboy comics are great when Hellboy is still a little naïve and maybe a little too arrogant and that's where this issue is set. I enjoyed this issue and can't wait to see where this mini is going.

Hellboy fights strange things all the time. In this comic book he basically fights a little girl vampire that has a cute little cat. It's definitely different. The issue manages to put others in danger by infusing some civilians in with the BPRD men. What's interesting here though is Mignola actually leaves a tiny door open in this issue for some of these vampires to be revisited. Overall, I liked the issue, but kind of wished it would have been either serious, funny or just a brawl instead of going back and forth so much. I have no doubt that a Hellboy fan would enjoy this issue though.

Hellboy is about to face the army of the dead. This issue is merely the set up to get him to that point. However, the issue provides some dark insight into his character as well as given a lot of action and some background into what is apparently his nemesis. This is a very good issue and I definitely recommend it.

The finale is next and it seems impossible that the comic will tie up every single plot. However, I would suspect Hellboy will give his initial answer about the sword and I would expect the battle to begin. This issue includes a dark backup about Henry Hood that may also play into the finale, but we'll have to wait and see on that one. This is shaping up to be the best Hellboy mini series in years where the ending could go any number of ways. I highly recommend this comic.

Anthologies are always a tricky proposition. "Hellboy: Winter Special" offers three short stories and one two-page story. They showcase a wide range of writers and artists and mostly center around Mike Mignola creations, two contain Hellboy. There isn't a dud in the bunch, but there isn't anything too memorable either. This is a decent read for four bucks if you like Hellboy and other Mike Mignola ideas.

This comic is a $1. It's the first step of a big space adventure. If you are into science fiction on any level you shouldn't pass this book up. If you just like general thrills and action you shouldn't pass this book up. Boom! clearly has a winner on its hands with this one.

Hinterkind is a story about a couple of characters trapped at the end of mankind's rule of Earth. The book uses some frightening characters as the foil in the book but sticks to basic human characters to help ground the book with the reader. I liked the first issue and I am interested to see where this series is headed. This is worth checking out.

Howard The Duck is a strange idea. However, the book is a good read that provides a nice introduction to the character, the plot and other characters for Howard to bounce off of throughout the book. This comic book looks to be a book to keep your eye on. It might very well become a hit. I recommend checking this out.

Hulk has its share of problems with the story and the overall direction but this issue is good. It drives you nuts with all the characters popping in without purpose but at least it's a little entertaining. I don't understand where this is all going but I would think that the red Hulk is going to do some more pontificating about who he is in future issues. That can only help make this comic book more coherent. This was a pretty good issue, though I would think fans of the Punisher and X-23 aren't going to like how their characters are portrayed.

This issue does carry a $5 cover charge which is steep in my opinion. You get extra story pages with no additional content like a reprint or sketches. I'm not sure it's worth the cover charge mainly because this issue is a one paragraph recap summary in the next issue. As entertaining as the artwork I found the story to be frustrating at times and led me to wonder what other characters are simply robots. That's not a good thing. I would think this issue is for the die-hards though it provides a good jump on point for new readers.

If you like fighting and the fighting to look great then this is a great issue to pick up. You may even like the double narrative and the link between them. In that regard the issue is quite entertaining. If you have struggled with the run and reveal of the red Hulk's identity then this issue might be like reopening an old wound. As a cap to the Jeph Loeb era it seems like this was the only way it could end.

This series is still finding its new place in the Marvel Universe. I can't say this feels like a Jeff Parker comic book now but it certainly doesn't feel like a Jeph Loeb one anymore either. This issue gives Hulk a mission and manages to set a new level for the character and his place in the Marvel Universe. It's a good start and I'm anxious to see what they do from here.

Parker is writing a very good story here, long and short term. This issue serves as a terrific jump-on point for new readers. You will find different heroes and villains with some familiar faces sprinkled in for good measure. Based on the interview it sounds like Parker has some grand plans for this title so I am very pleased to be on board. I definitely recommend checking this comic out.

Hulk should be a fun book with some sort of deeper character moment hidden in the book somewhere and this book has both. The character may be General Ross, but the characteristics still should be the same for this Jekyll and Hyde concoction. This book is definitely worth picking up. Even if you haven't been following this character at all.

The Hulk is a property that is always going to have a tough time finding something new to do with the character. You can put him in space, make him smart, make him dumb, spilt his mind in two, remove his mind, make him a villain, make him an agent, but ultimately you will run out of something new. This issue sort of proves that point. However, if the execution is good then the repetitive story won't matter. If this book wanders into the Bruce Jones conspiracy story then this book will be dead on arrival. Time will tell but this issue doesn't give me a ton of hope. We shall see how this plays out.

This comic book is a very good read. The comic brings Hulk's character arc to a nice conclusion in this issue. Even one of the lose ends gets resolved in the back-up, ten-page story, to round out the book. There isn't much action or danger but it peels back the layers on a character that has so many sides to his personality. If you have any interest in the character personality of Hulk then this is going to be a good book to pick up. The five-dollar price tag isn't very appealing but if you have opportunity to pick this up then I recommend it.

Obviously the Hulk is a bit of a niche property. This Fall of the Hulks event isn't shaping up to be a cant miss mini event but does seem to be bringing a good story with a high level of execution, I would think, for the Hulk enthusiasts. This was a good comic regardless of whether you believe Ross is really dead or not or if you believe in the alliances. Things shaped up nicely in this comic book to deliver a good story.

I am all for anthology comics about specific characters, especially ones about the Hulk. It's not even that the backup reprint from Marvel Comics Presents is a bad story, but that it's the only other story in the comic book. As far as anthologies for $4 about the Hulk this really isn't a worthy purchase. However, the story is so good it would be difficult to pass up. If you like to read Hulk stories about Banner the drifter that has a great story and fun artwork then go ahead and pick this one. Just be warned that it's the only original material in the comic. Awesome story, shame on Marvel.

I like the character and I plan to pick up this book. I'm not sure how interested someone who is indifferent to the creators or the character would be to this book though. It seems like this series is going to bring a nice layered plot set a slightly less intense atmosphere as Batman which I can get into. I think this book is a worth a look.

Imperial is an interesting book. While you can find a ton of other books out there that provide super heroes as seen through a creator-owned set of eyes this one is slightly different. This comic has a charming lead character that feels like he's been plucked from your local comic book store. This is one to watch.

Incognito has a lot to live up to because of the success of Criminal. Since this title is set in a world where super powers are possible the bar is set that much higher to reach. Brubaker moves his story in unpredictable directions and this issue only helps to open the possible threads. Add in that the comic book is twenty four pages of story plus an essay about a forgotten hero from the pulp days by Jess Nevins and you have yourself a very entertaining read. I would recommend picking this up even if you haven't read the first mini series. You may find yourself getting sucked in.

Incredible Hulk is making use of a good cast and a couple of guest stars to fill the gap left when the green guy exited. This comic makes for a good anthology-light book about some Hulk characters without getting involved with the red Hulk. Ultimately this particularly comic is subtle in plot development, but has some fun character moments and action. I think any fan of the Hulk will be happy picking this one up.

If you are looking for an excuse to pick up an issue of the Hulk then this one is a good one to grab. Sure you will spend $4 on it but it's an entertaining and clever issue that could potentially act as a self contained story with a jump on point to the next plot development at the end of the issue. The comic has plenty of guest stars and a lot of intriguing good guy-bad guy politics to keep the story a guessing game in terms of allegiances. This is a good comic book.

I liked this issue, particularly the ending, however it could have been so much more if I understood all of the references. The dialogue was clever and added a lot of depth to many of the characters in the issue, especially Banner. The artwork excelled during the fight scenes but didn't deliver with separating the scenery of backdrops. I would think if you have read all of the Fall of the Hulks titles then would probably end up loving this issue. However, if you are only interested in this title I would be prepared to be a little lost if you pick it up.

This issue will be remembered for the revelation of the identity of the Red She-Hulk. The story, the dialogue, the action and the characters in the story make this a good comic book. The plot details and some of the art bring it down a little bit. I am interested to see where this is going.

I enjoyed this issue so much I felt the same level of interest in this title that I haven't felt since Planet Hulk. I can't wait to see where this going and because of my interest in this issue I may actually pick up the Hulk-Jeph Loeb series as well. Gasp! This is definitely one to check out. Even if you haven't been following along with this story, this is an ending you don't want to miss.

There is a new status quo for the Hulk and there seems to be a new story over the horizon. The character may keep saying how he wants to be left alone but it's obvious to everyone involved that the supporting cast is vital to the title and is here to stay. This was a fun issue that offers a lot of action and a good story to back it all up. Pak's letter at the end puts the whole thing into perspective. This is a fun issue.

I didn't care too much for the first two issues in this story but things are starting to pick up now. I liked the inclusion of the Secret Avengers and I liked that Banner is trying to make this about him and him alone against his newly discovered son. This issue makes good use of the characters in the issue and helps to build up some tension for the next one. This was a good, all around read.

Hulks have themselves dropped into quite a predicament by the end of this issue. Based on this cliffhanger the next issue promises to be a good one. This is a good example of how a tie-in can be picked up and read without having read the main series for the event. I liked the pacing and character interaction in the book. While mostly setup, this issue is worth giving a try.

This comic was a good test to see if a tie-in for an event is lost on a reader that isn't following the event. The comic book passed because I was able to follow the story and was interested in the material despite not having the foggiest idea of what the Chaos War is. This was a good issue and is worth a read if you have any interest in the Hulk or his supporting cast or if you just like some big creatures beating each other up.

Pak's run will go down among the best in the history of this character. The last arc may not be for everyone but it has a lot in it that is fun and fresh. There's magic, strength, flying dragons, some humor and femme fatales. It seems like this book is going to once again call on the Hulk to be the hero but it may not be clear as to how, just yet. I can't wait for the ending.

I have enjoyed Pak's run on the Hulk as much as any other character/creator run in the last fifteen years. He had the perfect voice and storylines for the character. I may not have been crazy about the nesting nature of the wishing well arc but, I think this is an issue that shouldn't be passed up on. I definitely recommend this comic book.

I'm a huge fan of the Hulk and a bigger fan of Jason Aaron but this issue completely missed with me. The issue is way too slow, to the point of being pretentious, as it seems to take forever to lift into a story. It wouldn't be so terrible if the opening established something but it really didn't do much other than to show that a Banner-less Hulk is still pretty smart. I need more story or Hulk-like action and I definitely need more consistent art. Hopefully the next issue will be better.

I don't know where this series is heading. The first two issues have done nothing but left me thinking that Aaron is putting out a rare misfire. The few pages where Banner explains what is going on are the only parts of this comic that helps the story along at all. I am hopefully that this series will pick up the pace but I'm not sure how many more issues I will give it.

Hulk is one of my favorite characters and Aaron is on the short list of my favorite writers but this book just isn't doing it for me. Obviously there is still room for the story to take shape but this book is simply dragging on too much at this point. Loeb's book's flaw was the mystery being teased again and again, but this book's flaw, so far, is that its taking issue after issue just to get Banner and Hulk to meet up with little reason or argument as to why they should or should not. This is a frustrating book unless you like pure action.

This title is a massive misfire. I'm not sure who would like this, but perhaps if you like crazy action or Hulk stories that are a little more bizarre than plot driven then maybe you would like this. Beyond that, I can't see picking this up.

Hulk is one of the few characters that I read regardless of who the creative team is. I've following the book for decades. That said, I feel there are still stories to be told with the character and Waid has something happening here. The opening issue just doesn't launch into anything that memorable. We'll see where this goes.

Spencer brought the goods in Existence 2.0, Forgetless and Morning Glories so I've come to expect big, big things from him. He's doing it again with a fresh idea, interesting characters and a bombshell of a cliffhanger to keep you coming back for more. I can't recommend this book enough.

The back page still advertises that issue four is coming out on April 27th 2011, so who knows when this mini-series will actually wrap up. However, this issue puts together a plot around a very confusing and seemingly endless concept. I enjoyed this issue and I think once this mini-series is complete I will look back on this issue as the point where Spencer set everything up to pull the rug out later. I definitely recommend checking this book out.

Invincible is a popular and successful book. It's easy to see why when I pick up a random issue. It's well written and draws the reader in with the problems of the lead characters. This comic seems to be a turning point in the direction of the key characters. I enjoyed the exploration of what some of the super heroes might face in a real life situation when presented with failure and death. I liked the comic book and I am sure fans of the series will love it. It's worth checking out.

"Invincible Iron Man" launches with a character focused issue. The reader gets a nice introduction into Stark's current mindset. The book doesn't launch any big plot, but instead gives the reader small scenes that could come together later as a part of a bigger story. The comic gives a great cliffhanger to help bring the reader back. The artwork is the highlight of the book as the pencils, colors and layouts all come together to tell a great visual story. Fans of the character will be pleased at what they find here and newcomers might find enough to continue on with the title. This is worth checking out.

Invisible Republic is going to be a sprawling epic story. This is the ground floor. If you are familiar with Bechko and Hardman's work then you know what to expect. If you are not then you should be prepared for a layered story with dark visuals and complex, but strong core characters. This issue is one to pick up.

Iron Man feels like a book that will cater to the hardcore fans or the completists out there. As a casual reader I didn't like the contents and wasn't engaged by the plot to pick up future issues. Unfortunately, the read was just below average and the marketplace is simply too competitive to try out a second issue.

"Island" provides great value for your money. Over 100 pages of material for $8 is a great deal. The comic provides three full-length stories in it, two short stories and a tribute to a friend by DeConnick. Fans of the creators involved must pick this comic book up. Other readers may want to look under the covers to determine if the art styles match with their taste. If so, then they might find this to be a hidden treasure. I only found one of the stories to be something memorable but the entire comic is gorgeous to look at. Take a look at this one.

There are few writers I enjoy more than Garth Ennis. I want to love this book. I'm willing to give the book a lot of room to set up the story and the characters. However, this book came in as an average Ennis book at best. He's created a character that simply seems like too many others and none of the motivation is clear in this book. I need more than just chicks killing men in various (and creative) ways.

This series is still struggling to tell an interesting story about anything other than a house mom that kills crooked family members at night. There aren't too many characters in the book that are memorable and the plots are rather thin. The best part of the book so far is the manner in which the family members are killed off and this issue may be the best of the bunch in that department. This book is going to need to provide something more than that though to survive in the long run.

Joe Kubert Presents is definitely a niche book. If you enjoy war stories, especially from the Joe Kubert camp of storytelling then this is the comic book for you. This is every bit as good as I had hoped it would be from looking at the cover.

This issue is only a buck and you definitely get your money's worth. The art design and work is tremendous and is not to be missed. If you were a kid in the 70s, 80s or 90s then you are sure to see some favorites in Joe's room. The story is good, but is clearly not the appeal as the artwork takes command in the first chapter here. This is worth checking out for sure.

This comic book has a cute little story idea turned into something more. With Morrison adding some strange elements, as only he can, and partnered with the breakthrough art by Murphy the comic book stands out on the shelves this week. This is something I definitely recommend.

Morrison again allows Murphy to completely own the issue. Even with all of the emotions that are running through the ending of the comic book, it is the art that leaves the biggest impression. This issue has multiple instances of panels that scroll across two pages in a letterboxed format that enhances the cinematic and epic feel to the story. Additionally, the creativity in the air battle and the ruined kingdom shows a level of detail that is impressive even after five issues of the story. I was, again, thrilled with this visual story.

I realize that westerns aren't everyone's thing. However, this story barely reads like a western. It's more of a father and son story, kind of the anti-Vito and Michael Corleone conversation from the Godfather if you will. The creators know how to tell a story in an entertaining and artistic way. What more could you ask for in a comic book? I highly recommend checking this one out.

The first spends a lot of time building up the characters. It's a slow first issue but it takes great care to set things up for future issues. The themes that Millar are tackling aren't new and don't make a lot of sense but based on his previous works he gets more time to develop these ideas. This is an average book but the art drives it up a notch. We'll have to see where this is going.

If you are deep into the DCU then this book is going to be a smash hit with you. If you are a newcomer then just read the comic three or four times and ignore the plot holes because at the heart of the book is a very entertaining read. I recommend checking this out because there is a lot to like in here.

The Trinity War crossover is going through a bit of a lull with this issue. It feels like stalling, but not on the Brian Bendis level. This issue does move more characters around which is probably necessary for the future issues but it makes this one a throwaway. One of the bright spots is the mystery at the beginning and at the end. This is an okay read but not as good as the first two installments.

JLA is going to be a tough sell. It's a book with a lot of new or totally unknown characters in it. Even the dialogue in the book asks the question of, "how are these characters going to work together?" That will be part of the journey for this book. One of the things this issue lacks is any sort of villainous threat. The book appears it will be character based and that could prove challenging with this many fresh or un-established faces. Time will tell, but this is a good start.

Trinity War seems like a good crossover. This comic has a transition feel to it as the story slows down from the big fight scene to get back to the larger story. It's interesting that Superman is really off the table and looks to be that way for the remainder of the crossover. This will help level the playing field and make for some interesting confrontations. This is shaping up to be a good read.

Kaptara is an amazing looking comic book with a standard plot with interesting characters executing it. I'm not sure where this story is going but the first issue gave just enough to leave me curious about the second issue. The page count and artwork alone are worth the price of admission. I liked this comic but wasn't totally in love with it. I mildly recommend it.